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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

Macron to relaunch New Caledonia talks in January as Bougival agreement falters

Kanak pro-independence leader Christian Tein (in C with a blue polo shirt) stands in respect as the FLNKS flag during the congress of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), New Caledonia's main pro-independence movement, in Ponerihouen, in the French overseas collectivity of New Caledonia, on 6 December 2025. AFP - DELPHINE MAYEUR

France’s efforts to steer New Caledonia towards a new institutional settlement are entering a sensitive new phase. With the Bougival agreement facing delays, political pushback and lingering doubts over consensus, President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to relaunch talks with local leaders in the new year.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced he will meet New Caledonian elected officials on 16 January in a bid to “continue the dialogue” on the Pacific archipelago’s institutional future and to “provide clarification on the Bougival agreement” signed last July.

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