France declares state of emergency in New Caledonia
STORY: :: France declares a state of emergency in
New Caledonia after deadly riots over electoral reform
:: Paris
:: May 15, 2024
:: Prisca Thevenot, Government spokesperson
"In accordance with the request of the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister presented during the cabinet meeting a decree to establish a state of emergency in New Caledonia and to deal with the serious breaches of public order taking place there. Currently, in application of this decree, the State will have reinforced powers to ensure the maintenance of order and in particular, will be able to impose traffic bans, text messages, house arrests and searches. On behalf of the government, I reiterate before you the call for calm and appeasement." //
"It is an active minority, but an active minority that is extremely violent, as we can see in the scenes of chaos. And so what's at stake for us now, with the curfew and the state of emergency, which was presented at the cabinet meeting and which will come into force from 8 p.m., is precisely to bring back calm and serenity. This is not linked to the constitutional bill."
The state of emergency will give authorities additional powers to ban gatherings and forbid people from moving around the French-ruled island.
Five hundred police officers were sent to the territory to reinforce current forces - after rioters torched vehicles and businesses, and looted stores. Schools have been shut and there is already a curfew in the capital.
Rioting broke out over a new bill, adopted by lawmakers in Paris on Tuesday (May 14), that will allow French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections - a move some local leaders fear will dilute the Kanak vote.
The state of emergency will last for 12 days, according to the government spokesperson.
