13 Feb 2019

New Caledonia pushes to join French debate

6:36 pm on 13 February 2019

New Caledonia's three politicians who sit in the French legislature have asked for New Caledonia to be included in the national debate triggered by France's yellow vest protests.

French president Emmanuel Macron

French president Emmanuel Macron Photo: AFP

In a letter to the French president Emmanuel Macron, the three have asked for registers to be set up for the public to file their complaints.

Mr Macron held a televised debate with mayors from French overseas territories earlier this month but excluded representatives from the French Pacific.

Last month, however, the French High Commission in Noumea said mayors and residents can organise meetings if they wish and use the tools on the website dedicated to the debate.

The letter to Mr Macron said the issues related to democracy concern New Caledonia as much as other parts of the French republic.

Furthermore, it said, in last November's referendum a majority of New Caledonians voted to stay French.

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