Macron Halts New Caledonia Voting Reform Amid Riots and Evacuations

French President Emmanuel Macron has paused a contentious voting reform in New Caledonia after deadly riots erupted over the proposal. The reform would have expanded voting rights to more French residents, which many indigenous Kanaks fear would weaken their political influence and hinder future independence efforts. Macron urged local leaders to engage in dialogue to find a mutually acceptable solution and stated he would reassess the situation in a month. The unrest has resulted in six deaths, significant property damage, and the deployment of French security forces to the territory.