Christian Tein, leader of a pro-independence party in New Caledonia, urged supporters to maintain resistance against French electoral reforms that the Indigenous Kanak people fear will marginalize them. Despite a state of emergency and calls from French President Emmanuel Macron to dismantle barricades, Tein insists they remain until house arrest warrants are lifted and the reforms are scrapped. Tensions remain high following violent protests, with Macron proposing an alternate agreement and potential future referendum for the archipelago's political status.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited New Caledonia to address unprecedented riots stemming from long-standing tensions between indigenous Kanaks and settlers. Macron emphasized restoring calm and security as top priorities, with French police reinforcements to remain until stability is achieved. The unrest, sparked by proposed changes to voter lists seen as favoring pro-France politicians, has resulted in six deaths and significant property damage. France has declared a state of emergency and deployed substantial security forces to the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that French troops will remain in New Caledonia as long as necessary amid ongoing unrest over proposed electoral reforms. The reforms, which would allow long-term French residents to vote in provincial elections, have sparked protests from the Indigenous Kanak people who fear it will dilute their vote and hinder their independence efforts. Macron's visit to the territory included meetings with local leaders and a call for the removal of roadblocks, while he opposed extending the state of emergency if the situation stabilizes.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited New Caledonia to address unprecedented riots stemming from long-standing tensions between indigenous Kanaks and settlers. Macron emphasized restoring calm and security as top priorities, with French police reinforcements to remain until stability is achieved. The unrest, sparked by proposed changes to voter lists seen as favoring pro-France politicians, has resulted in six deaths and significant property damage. France has declared a state of emergency and deployed substantial security forces to the region.
New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens, kidnapped by the West Papua Liberation Army in February 2023, appeared gaunt and disheveled in a proof-of-life video released by his captors. The rebel group has threatened to execute him unless West Papua is granted independence from Indonesia. In the video, Mehrtens reassured his family that he was being treated well and expressed his love for them. The 38-year-old pilot also appealed to the New Zealand government for inhalers and an e-book reader. West Papua has been the center of an independence movement, with separatist fighters launching attacks in recent years.
The recent Spanish election resulted in a hung parliament, with no bloc on the left or right winning enough seats to form a majority. Former Catalan regional government head Carles Puigdemont, who is in self-imposed exile in Belgium, could hold the key to breaking the impasse. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez may need the support of Puigdemont's Junts party in exchange for concessions on independence. The ruling Socialists and far-left Sumar have more possibilities for negotiating support from small Basque and Catalan separatist parties. However, Puigdemont has previously stated that his party will not support Sanchez. The Catalan independence movement continues to lose votes, and negotiations are expected to be challenging. If no candidate secures a majority within two months, new elections must be held.
Former Scottish leader and key proponent of the Scottish independence movement, Nicola Sturgeon, was arrested on Sunday as part of an investigation into her party's finances. The scandal has caused damage to the independence movement.
