New Caledonia: a “historic” agreement concluded between political forces

The New Caledonian political forces, meeting for ten days near Paris to try to chart an institutional future for the territory, concluded a "historic" agreement on Saturday, July 12, notably enshrining a "State of New Caledonia" enshrined in the Constitution.

This "draft agreement" still needs to be ratified in New Caledonia by the representatives of the various delegations. It was signed by Manuel Valls, the Minister for Overseas Territories , and the 18 delegates representing the political forces of the Congress of New Caledonia.

Manuel Valls welcomed "a major commitment, the fruit of long negotiations during which the Caledonian partners chose courage and responsibility ." Prime Minister François Bayrou, for his part, expressed his "pride in an agreement of historic stature." "Honour to the courageous negotiators, thank you to Mr. Valls," he added on X.

In a press release, the non-independence Loyalists and the Rally welcomed "a historic agreement" which "allows the establishment of a new era of stability" . Without specifying the content of the signed text, they assured in particular that the agreement will allow "the reopening of the electoral body to many Caledonians" .

According to a loyalist source, the local electorate will be open to residents of New Caledonia for at least ten years, starting with the 2031 provincial elections. The reform of the electorate was the cause of the deadly riots of May 2024 , which left 14 dead.

They also welcome the fact that "this choice respects the sovereign will expressed by the Caledonians" during the three independence referendums of 2018, 2020 and 2021 and mention "concessions" , with "the transformation of the New Caledonia community into a State integrated into the national whole" .

"A status within France. With Caledonians remaining French. No referendum in sight other than the one that will be organized to validate this agreement. An opening of the electorate," declared non-independence MP Nicolas Metzdorf.

"We were told there would be a referendum on the associated state in 15 years. We made significant concessions to avoid it and to definitively project New Caledonia into the future without a deadline," he added, now calling for economic recovery while the riots have cost the "Rock" more than two billion euros and at least 10% of GDP.

Entitled the "bet on trust" , the 13 pages of the draft agreement confirm the creation of a Caledonian nationality, with the inhabitants of Le Caillou being able to benefit from dual French and Caledonian nationality.

A "State of New Caledonia" enshrined in the Constitution of the French Republic will be created, which will be recognized by the international community. Paris will support New Caledonia in strengthening its capacities in sovereign areas, the text specifies.

The agreement addresses the economy with an "economic and financial reconstruction pact" that includes a "strategic plan" for nickel, a key resource for the region. It provides for the revival of nickel processing activity in the North Province, which is predominantly populated by Kanaks, where the nickel plant closed last year, putting 1,300 workers out of work. "This agreement allows hope to be reborn," said Philippe Gomes, leader of the Calédonie Ensemble party.

Parliament is due to meet in Congress in Versailles in the last quarter to "constitutionalize" the agreement, before a local referendum approving the political agreement by Caledonians in February 2026 and provincial elections in May-June 2026.

These, crucial for the archipelago because they determine the composition of the Congress and the government of New Caledonia, should take place at the end of the first half of 2026. "Hope is reborn for New Caledonia," reacted the President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, welcoming a moment where "everyone was able to rise to the occasion of History, renew dialogue and reach a historic agreement."