{"id":25335,"date":"2021-02-03T21:20:30","date_gmt":"2021-02-03T21:20:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiofree.org\/?p=158134"},"modified":"2021-02-03T21:20:30","modified_gmt":"2021-02-03T21:20:30","slug":"new-caledonia-government-collapses-amid-storm-and-assets-sale-crisis-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/radiofree.asia\/2021\/02\/03\/new-caledonia-government-collapses-amid-storm-and-assets-sale-crisis-2\/","title":{"rendered":"New Caledonia government collapses amid storm and assets sale crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"
By RNZ Pacific<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n A coalition government in New Caledonia has collapsed after indigenous pro-independence politicians resigned, citing persistent economic issues and unrest over the sale of nickel assets.<\/p>\n The South Pacific archipelago has been gripped by riots over the sale process of Brazilian mining giant Vale\u2019s local nickel business, with protesters saying a locally-led offer had been unfairly overlooked.<\/p>\n New Caledonia, with a population of about 290,000, is also grappling with the question of decolonisation.<\/p>\n The crisis comes as New Caledonia is facing widespread flooding and damage from Tropical Cyclone Lucas.<\/p>\n The island chain enjoys a large degree of autonomy but depends heavily on France for matters such as defence and education.<\/p>\n Referendums in 2018 and 2020 both narrowly rejected independence. A third referendum due by the end of next year should finally settle the issue, under the terms of a 1998 Noumea accord with France.<\/p>\n Five pro-independence politicians \u2013 three from the Union Caledonian (UC) and two from the National Union for Independence (UNI) \u2013 both members of the pro-independent Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), in the 11-member executive have resigned.<\/p>\n Upheaval marks end of Santa coalition #DirectLNC<\/a> #LncPays<\/a> Les ind\u00e9pendantistes de Nouvelle-Cal\u00e9donie font chuter le gouvernement https:\/\/t.co\/EhEUsMybEf<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/strong>The upheaval marks the end of President Thierry Santa\u2019s multiparty government after 18 months in power. Congress must elect a new government within 15 days.<\/p>\n\n