This is a unique visit. In the midst of a parliamentary debate on the budget, the presidents of the National Assembly and the Senate, Yaël Braun-Pivet and Gérard Larcher, have just spent three days in New Caledonia on a mediation mission.
Since May 13, this overseas territory of the South Pacific has been in the grip of a very large-scale institutional, social and economic crisis. The situation is “under control”, today assures Yaël Braun-Pivet to West France, but a curfew is still in place and the President of the National Assembly does not hesitate to speak of a risk “collapse” without one “massive emergency aid” of the state.
As for the institutional future of New Caledonia, the President of the National Assembly pleads for research “a global agreement” rather than a separate treatment of the thaw of the electoral body which had ignited the powder in the spring.
What is your assessment of the situation in New Caledonia, six months after the outbreak of the riots?
The Caledonians are lastingly marked by the events, by the violence, the massive destruction. We went to Vallée-du-Tir with the President of the Senate, a street where many houses were burned. We contacted the inhabitants of Mont-Dore Sud who, for months, were cut off from the rest of the territory by blockades and violence. The economy is on the ground. We met economic players in Dumbéa, in the heart of the largest shopping center in New Caledonia, devastated by multiple fires. We were able to discuss with all the political actors who were aware of the urgency and the imperative need to move forward on the path to an agreement. We were also very well received and were able to celebrate the November 11 ceremonies in Nouméa, with all the elected officials, but also in Koné, in the North province (with a Kanak majority). It is a strong symbol that we hold dear….
France
