Patrick Decloitre

France's Constitutional Council on Friday ruled that New Caledonia's list of eligible voters for local election should stay "frozen" for the time being.

The date for the provincial elections has already been postponed twice, and the French territory's lawmakers have endorsed a third postponement amid ongoing political division.

It is part of the European Union's Global Gateway programme for 2021-2027 period, which will include will include regional and national investments, as well as budget transfers.

Sébastien Lecornu, 39, is no stranger to the French territory, having played a key role in a series of three self-determination referendums held between 2018 and 2021.

However, they did not have to wait for too long as outgoing Armies (Defence) Minister Sébastien Lecornu is now the new prime minister.

The fall of the French government following a vote of defiance against its Prime Minister François Bayrou has cast more uncertainty for New Caledonia.

New Caledonia has been officially endorsed as the host of the 14th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC14) in 2028.

More than 6500 protesters took to the streets over the weekend to oppose the growing influence of methamphetamines, which is believed to have created 30,000 addicts, including children.

FLNKS recently warned against any attempt to "force" an agreement they are not part of, raising concerns about possible unrest similar to the riots that broke out in May 2024.

François Bayrou's surprise announcement on Monday that he will call for a parliament confidence vote in his government is set to further complicate protracted talks in Nouméa.

A newly established committee held its inaugural meeting in Nouméa on Thursday, aiming to translate a key agreement which outlines a roadmap for New Caledonia's political future.

Manuel Valls is again visiting Nouméa to salvage a political agreement signed in July aimed at redefining the territory's relationship with France.

New Caledonia's pro-independence front on Wednesday confirmed its "block rejection" of the document outlining the French territory's political future.

The move by the pro-independence group has prompted France's Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls to travel to the French territory again next week.

Kainuu Temauri, 29, has been appointed to the role less than two years ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games to be hosted by French Polynesia.

The agreement was signed between Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and French Polynesia's President Moetai Brotherson.

In addition to the narcotics worth €331 million street value, local authorities seized 11 Glock semi‑automatic pistols and 24 ammunition magazines.

New Caledonia's oldest pro-independence party has officially rejected a political agreement on the French territory's political future signed in Paris last month.

The drop in population to below 265,000 is due to net migration outflow, according to the French National Statistical Institute.

The French Minister for Overseas landed in French Polynesia on Wednesday (Tuesday local time) for his first official visit to the territory.

New Caledonian politicians who inked their commitment to a deal with France on 12 July will be offered special police protection, following threats uttered especially on social networks.

Pro-and-anti-independence parties committed to a deal regarding the future political status of the French Pacific territory on Saturday.

As part of a range of possible options, the French president reportedly put on the table an "associated State" status for the French territory, with a "strong link with France".

A delegation from political leaders as well as representatives from New Caledonia's economic and civil society have converged to Paris over the past few days.

The drugs were found in the Panama-flagged vessel named SM Dante, which had left Peru in May and was headed to Australia.