The first New Caledonian government led by a pro-independence leader has fallen after the resignation of members from the loyalist Caledonia Together movement on Tuesday, against the backdrop of an economic and social crisis exacerbated by recent riots.
In a resignation letter addressed to Louis Mapou, New Caledonia's pro-independence Kanak president, seen by French news agency AFP, Caledonia Together cited disagreements with the head of government, particularly regarding the financing plan for New Caledonia's reconstruction following the violent events that began on May 13.
Caledonia Together, which is affiliated with French President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance party, also criticizes Mapou's government, in place for three years, for having transformed into an independent body.
For several weeks, other groups – Pacific Awakening, Rally-The Republicans and the Loyalists – have been critical of government's post-riot reconstruction policies.
"Since the events of May 13, (the) country has sunk into deep economic and social distress. In such circumstances, unity between ... the government and the Congress of New Caledonia, is an urgent need," says the letter.
"I can only note that this has not been the case, and I regret it," writes Jérémie Katidjo-Monnier, who resigned as member of the Caledonian government.
This government was the 17th in the South Pacific archipelago since the 1998 Noumea Accord, which enacted transfer of certain state powers to local politicians.
The Caledonian government is appointed by members of Congress through a list-based vote. When an individual government member resigns, the next person on the list takes their place. Only a collective resignation leads to the fall of the government.
Headache for Valls?
New Caledonia is one of France's overseas possessions. As such, it will be under the responsibility of Manuel Valls, who took over the portfolio of France's overseas territories in the Monday night's cabinet reshuffle.
Prime Minister François Bayrou announced that the former Socialist turned Macron supporter was chosen for his expertise on New Caledonia and, more broadly, for his experience in crisis management.
In the line-up of the new government, Valls was presented as number three, after Bayrou and Education Minister Elisabeth Borne.
It is understood that Vall's position will send a strong signal to the overseas territories of their importance.
Macron has come under fire for neglecting the regions and slow responses to crises. The violence in New Caledonia last spring was followed by Cyclone Chido ravaging the Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte.
"Manuel Valls is a bit of a kamikaze personality, I like bold personalities," said Bayrou during an interview with BFM-TV just after announcing the composition of his new cabinet.
