Stories by Patrick Decloitre
News
Block resignation topples New Caledonia's government
A block resignation means the whole government of New Caledonia is deemed to have resigned, and should now act in a caretaker mode.
Manuel Valls is appointed as France’s new Minister for Overseas
Former French Prime Minister Manuel Valls is France's new Minister for Overseas.
Quake-shocked children repatriated from Vanuatu
"Children were falling to the ground, everyone was falling all around, it was panic" when the earthquake struck, group supervisor says.
What the fall of the French government means for New Caledonia
As French Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government has fallen to a motion of no confidence just three months after coming to office, New Caledonia is among the major victims.
Peters embarks on three-day visit to New Caledonia
The New Zealand Foreign Minister's schedule will include meetings with "a wide range of government, political, business and civil society leaders" from 3 to 5 December.
Overnight curfew lifted in New Caledonia
French High Commissioner Louis Le Franc said even though there remained some "sensitive areas", New Caledonia was on the path to experiencing a "return to normal".
Kanak pro-independence leader to remain in French jail
This followed an earlier ruling on 22 October 2024 from the Court of Cassation, which is tasked to rule on possible procedural mistakes in earlier judgements.
Union Calédonienne unveils plans for New Caledonia's political future
New Caledonia's largest pro-independence party unveiled the main outcome of its Congress last weekend, including its plans for the French Pacific territory's political future.
'Monumental social crisis' looms in New Caledonia, warns business sector
Small and medium business federation president Nicole Moreau says the crisis following the May 2024 riots was not only human and economic, but also social.
French Pacific news in brief
A round-up of news in brief from French Pacific territories, including a group of young New Caledonians arriving in Aotearoa this week as part of an ongoing regional mobility scheme.
New Caledonia's Loyalty Islands president disqualified for next provincial elections
President Jacques Lalié has been disqualified to contest the next provincial elections after he was found guilty of "favouritism" on Tuesday.
Great Chief Boarat killed in involuntary homicide attack
New Caledonia's chiefly community is mourning the death of Great Chief William Boarat, from the district of Koumac (far north-eastern tip of the main island of New Caledonia).
Mixed reactions to Tjibaou's election to New Caledonia pro-independence party
Within the pro-independence camp, the two main moderate parties UPM and PALIKA have reacted favourably, although they have recently distanced themselves from UC.
Emmanuel Tjibaou elected president of pro-independence Union Calédonienne
Tjibaou's election on Sunday comes as UC's former leader, Daniel Goa, 71, announced last week he did not intend to seek another mandate.
French Pacific news in brief
A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific, including New Caledonia's mayors asking France for more money.
New Caledonia's pro-independence movement struggling to maintain united front
There's been a flurry of news conferences from several pro-independence parties, all clarifying their respective stance and relationship with the FLNKS. Audio
Founding party leaves pro-independence FLNKS umbrella 'until further notice'
New Caledonia's Progressist Union in Melanesia (UPM), one of the historic founding members of FLNKS, has announced its official withdrawal from the pro-independence umbrella. Audio
Top French Parliament duo in New Caledonia for three days
Analysis - The chairs of both French Parliament's upper and lower Houses arrived in New Caledonia on Sunday night for a crucial three-day visit.
French Polynesia MP reacts to Trump election
Tourism and the environment are among the concerns raised by French Polynesian MP Tepuaraurii Teriitahii in reaction to the reelection of Donald Trump. Audio
French Pacific news in brief
A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific, including parishioners returning to a burned mission site in New Caledonia.
Forum troika's visit highlights value of regionalism for New Caledonia
The three-day visit to from Pacific leaders seems to have triggered a new sense of awareness locally about the values of Pacific regional mechanisms of "talanoa", writes Patrick Decloitre.
Pacific leaders' begin New Caledonia fact-finding mission
The Pacific Islands Forum leaders' troika, along with Fiji's prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka, touched down in New Caledonia on Sunday. Audio
High level mission to New Caledonia 'strictly observational': Pacific Islands Forum
A high-level Pacific Islands Forum mission to New Caledonia scheduled to begin on Sunday is described as "strictly observational".
New Caledonia the centre of attention in Paris and the Pacific region
The French Pacific archipelago was on the agenda of a top meeting in Paris on Tuesday evening, Paris time. Audio
Buffet appeals for dialogue as he ends New Caledonia visit
"The time has come to return to dialogue, discussion, exchange, after the terrible (events) New Caledonia has been through." Audio