Death toll rises to six in New Caledonia riots as unrest spreads
Al JazeeraMay 31
Australia, New Zealand Send Evacuation Flights to New Caledonia
Above: Police put on riot gear as protesters demonstrate against the rise of the far-right in French politics, on April 16, 2022 in Paris, France. Image copyright: Sam Tarling/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Australia and New Zealand sent military planes to New Caledonia to evacuate their respective nationals after the French-ruled Pacific Island witnessed the worst unrest in more than 30 years.
French Pres. Emmanuel Macron will head to New Caledonia on Tuesday, a day after the New Caledonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry claimed that the conflict had a "catastrophic" effect on the economy.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Giving voting rights to French citizens in New Caledonia dilutes a 1998 accord that limited voting rights, and is akin to betraying Indigenous Kanaks, who make up over 40% of the population. Allowing all residents of the archipelago to vote in local elections will only benefit pro-France politicians in New Caledonia, further marginalizing indigenous people's voices, and undermining efforts to gain independence from Paris.
Pro-establishment narrative
The proposed electoral reforms are aimed at upholding democracy in New Caledonia. This violence in the archipelago has been orchestrated by Azerbaijan, which is spreading anti-French propaganda to avenge the French military's support for Armenia. Paris is determined to restore public order and calm, which the Caledonians — who have backed the island remaining part of France in three referendums — deserve.