In a public address, French President Emmanuel Macron called for “the firm and definitive lifting of all blockades” and “the condemnation of violence,” according to RFI.
It always takes longer to build than to destroy.
Riots in New Caledonia, which lies between Australia and Fiji and has been governed from Paris since the 19th century, broke out in mid-May. At that time, anger over voting reform escalated into weeks of violent protests.
French authorities insist that Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, has returned to their control. However, barricades remain and pro-independence demonstrators have said they are determined to stay on the streets.
In a sign of the slow return to normal life after five weeks of unrest, schools reopened on Monday, as did Noumea International Airport.
Macron announced last week that the controversial voting reform would be “suspended” in light of France’s upcoming snap parliamentary elections. However, the President stated that the situation “remains unacceptable, and those who encouraged it will have to answer for their actions.”
He announced early parliamentary elections three years ahead of schedule in an attempt to shake up politics in France after national-oriented parties defeated his centrist camp in the EU elections.
With the first round of legislative elections scheduled for 30 June, opinion polls highlighted fears that his alliance risked falling under pressure from new coalitions.
