Patrick Decloitre

It comes as newly appointed Overseas Minister Naïma Moutchou prepares to visit the French Pacific territory for more talks on its political future.

French national politics have once again cast a shadow on New Caledonia's issues even though the French Pacific territory is facing a pressing schedule.

A Paris appeal court has confirmed that pro-independence leader Christian Téin's is now cleared to return to New Caledonia.

A controversial piece of legislation to postpone the date for New Caledonia's crucial provincial elections passed its first hurdle in the French Senate on Wednesday.

As part of a never-ending rollercoaster of instability in French politics, the latest appointment of Naïma Moutchou has caused significant concern, including in New Caledonia.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu tendered his resignation on Monday, only hours after the announcement of a new government.

Manuel Valls' return to the role is expected to advance the sensitive project that directly concerns New Caledonia's political future.

The announcement of the latest Paris court ruling has once again triggered a torrent of diverse reactions to Christian Téin's return to the French Pacific territory.

China's top diplomat in the French territory has expressed his "opposition" and disapproval following recent trip by local politicians to Taipei, saying it contravened the "One China" policy.

France has deployed heavy security forces in New Caledonia ahead of the anniversary of its "taking possession" of the territory on 24 September 1853.

France's Constitutional Council has 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.