Stories by Patrick Decloitre

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including the arrest of a French Polynesian dancer on drug charges.

The French-proposed "pact" to salvage New Caledonia's beleaguered nickel industry is still in limbo as the local Congress has decided to re-examine the whole document through a "special committee".

New Caledonia's capital was on Saturday flooded by two simultaneous waves of French and Kanaky flags as part of two demonstrations in downtown Nouméa.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including two people arrested at Tahiti airport with 7kg of crystal meth

Security forces reinforcements have been sent from France ahead of two antagonist marches scheduled to take place this Saturday in the capital Nouméa.

The clashes, involving firearms, teargas and stone-throwing, went on for most of Tuesday.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including crackdowns on cybercrime in French Polynesia ahead of this year's hosting of the Paris Olympics surfing event.

The French Senate endorsed a move from the French government to allow French citizens to vote at local elections provided they have been residing for at least an uninterrupted ten years.

Analysis - The French Senate on Tuesday endorsed a Constitutional review project bearing significant modifications to the local electoral rules for New Caledonia, but with amendments.

Analysis - Debates in the French Parliament in Paris this week have once again polarised tensions back in New Caledonia.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including a delay in the signing of a "nickel pact" in New Caledonia worth hundreds of millions of Euro.

Analysis - A combination of inter-twined economic, political and socially pressing issues are taking their toll in New Caledonia.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including a crystal methamphetamine trafficking network dismantled in French Polynesia.

Analysis - An "organic law" to postpone New Caledonia's provincial elections has on Monday passed the final hurdle and was endorsed by the French National Assembly.

The concept of a nickel-exporting-countries organisation, which they call "OPEN" (Organisation des Pays Exportateurs de Nickel) comes from the FLNKS-Union Calédonienne Congress caucus.

A round-up of news in brief from the French Pacific region, including a warning against China's "economic colonisation" as potential nickel investor.

French Polynesia's vice-president Eliane Tevahitua wants Paris to return human remains taken by museums and private collectors in the 19th and 20th century.

New Caledonia-based French armed forces have been recently engaging on several Pacific operational theatres.

A round-up of news in brief from around the French Pacific region, including violence in Noumea.

The French government has agreed to dig into its coffers and help rescue New Caledonia's beleaguered nickel industry. But the aid is tied to a stringent reform "pact".

One of the main components of New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS umbrella, the Union Calédonienne (UC), says it now has suspended all discussions with two pro-French parties.

A round-up of news in brief from around the French Pacific region, including the world's longest cruise stoppping in both Tahiti and Moorea islands.

Analysis - New Caledonia's current nickel industry crisis has prompted several pro-French parties to call for a "state of economic urgency".

The French Senate on Tuesday voted by a large majority (307 in favour and 34 against) the postponement of New Caledonia's crucial provincial elections later this year.

Gérald Darmanin has ended his two-day visit to New Caledonia saying his door remained open, but that a controversial Constitutional review scheduled in the next few months was still on track.