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New Caledonia remains a part of France. Residents of the overseas territory, located about 18,000 kilometers from the metropolis in the South Pacific, voted against the independence of the country in a Sunday referendum with a clear majority of 56 , 4%. French President Emmanuel Macron was "proud" of the result, which he called a vote of confidence in France.
However, according to the official final result, the rejection of independence was significantly weaker than expected: polls had predicted between 63 and 75% of the vote. Voter turnout was very high at more than 80%. Some 175,000 new Caledonians attended the referendum.
After the vote, isolated stones would have been frustrated by defenders of independence and burning cars. The referendum itself was, however, peaceful.
"Historic Scene"
Macron spoke in an address delivered in front of the Palais des Elysees in Paris of a "historic stage". He added: "As head of state, I am proud of the fact that the majority of Caledonians have chosen France". In his speech, Macron called on everyone involved to continue a close conversation. "There is no other way than dialogue." He concluded his address by saying. "Long live New Caledonia, long live the Republic, long live France"
On Monday, Prime Minister Philippe should visit Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia. Concerned about the unrest, the state has beefed up security forces.
In the 1980s, conflicts between the descendants of the "Kanaken" indigenous peoples and those of European origin provoked violent clashes that left more than 70 dead. In response, the Noumea Accord was signed, which provides for the decentralization of power, Sunday's referendum on independence and two other referendums by 2022.
Greater influence of China is to be feared
Representatives of the independence movement estimated that fewer residents than expected had voted no, it is a success: "We are on the brink of victory and two additional votes," said Alosio Sako of the independence movement FLNKS. "Kanakans now know that they must demonstrate their determination to finally be free."
Opponents of independence refer, inter alia, to the 1.3 billion euros that the French State invests every year in the public coffers of New Caledonia. Others fear greater influence of China in the Pacific if France is less present in the region.
The archipelago of New Caledonia was taken over by France in 1853 and initially used as a convict island. About 270,000 people live on the archipelago, less than half of whom are indigenous. In addition, descendants of settlers and now also many immigrants from other Pacific states. The archipelago still has a geo-strategic importance for Paris. In addition, a quarter of the world's nickel deposits are stored here – an important raw material for the manufacture of electronic devices.
New Caledonia is not part of the territory of the European Union. It does not pay with the euro, but with the pacific franc. In the European elections, the Neukaledonier can vote. In addition, the infrastructure of the archipelago will be co-financed by EU funds.
France faces demonstrations and claims of independence in other overseas territories for several years. French Guiana in South America and the Mayotte archipelago in the Indian Ocean have been the scene of fierce protests against the low standard of living and neglect felt by many residents in Paris.
(APA / AFP / dpa / Reuters)
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