New Caledonia: A New Country Appearing on the World Map?

• 11.08.2017, 17:51
•  Europe,  World

Radio New Zealand

The October 1 Catalan independence referendum (despite its results) did not result in the independence from Spain, but became a new impetus for the activation of self-determination moods. After Catalonia, referendums for the expansion of autonomy were organized first in the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy, and then the French-controlled New Caledonia also declared about its wish to organize a referendum. Meanwhile, unlike Spain, the French government and representatives of the New Caledonian political parties have already agreed on a referendum on independence.

French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe noted that an agreement was reached on the "principal issues" to hold a referendum in November 2018. He emphasized that mutual trust was established between the sides, but there is still much work to be done.

It should be noted that representatives of the New Caledonian political parties succeeded in reaching an agreement with Paris to include another 11,000 voters on the voter lists. According to the available data, 158,000 New Caledonia residents can take part in the referendum. Issues related to organization of decentralized polling stations' work, their financing and observers' work were discussed during the talks.

It is expected that the French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe will leave for New Caledonia in late November, while French President Emanuel Macron's visit is scheduled for May 2018.

By the way, this will not be the first referendum in New Caledonia. As a result of the disorder in the 1980s, in 1988 Paris agreed to establish a ten-year transition period, at the end of which New Caledonia would carry out an independence referendum. The referendum took place in 1998, but the majority of the voters opposed independence. And it was not accidental, as this French region is connected with Europe not only with political but also with economic ties. Despite the results of the referendum, it was decided that the region has the right to hold another referendum after 15-20 years.

Though New Caledonia is of strategic importance to France, it is not accidental that France agreed on holding a referendum. While it is still difficult to predict the outcome of the referendum, one thing is clear: even if the majority of voters vote for independence during the next referendum, the region will not break relations with Paris.

By the way, it is not only New Caledonia, but also French Polynesia, that seeks independence from France. However, Paris realizes that this will hardly have a domino effect, spreading to other subordinate regions as each region has its own relationship with Paris. In addition, each region that seeks independence in reality strives to expand its rights and have greater financial support, as becoming independent from France would mean to withdraw from the EU as well.