President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday (May 23) police reinforcements in New Caledonia would remain as long as required.

Macron arrived in the Pacific island in order to try to end deadly riots triggered by a contested electoral reform.

Unrest erupting over a week ago has resulted in six deaths, widespread looting, and burnt vehicles and businesses. To quell the violence, French authorities have deployed hundreds of extra police officers.

With the island under a state of emergency, Macron said the additional security of 3,000 personnel would remain, even during the Paris Olympics if required.

<img alt="New Caledonia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09d014ff-7275-4309-bc11-f4afed2cbaf6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2848%29_2.png" />

"In the coming days, massive operations&nbsp;will be scheduled where necessary, and republican order in its entirety will be re-established because there is no other choice," Macron said during a meeting with political and business leaders of the island.

"I believe that the state of emergency should not be extended," Macron said, adding it would be lifted only when protesters remove the roadblocks.

Demonstrators are worried that the electoral reform, which has already been approved by lawmakers in mainland France, located some 16,000 km (10,000 miles) away, will diminish the voting power of indigenous Kanaks, who constitute 40% of the island's population of 270,000 people.&nbsp;

Since it is a constitutional reform, it necessitates a meeting of both houses of parliament for it to be ratified and Macron has yet to announce a date for the same.

<h2>Peace&nbsp;top priority</h2>

Since the unrest thousands of tourists have been stranded with France, Australia and New Zealand organising flights to extract hundreds of people.

Macron told reporters on Thursday that a return to peace and security would be among the top priorities of his trip.

"My aim here, along with the ministers and the whole government, is to stand by the people," Macron said.

"I am determined to do everything to bring about a return to calm, with a great deal of respect, humility with a thought for the victims," he further said.

<img alt="New Caledonia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ffdf648-241f-4204-b9d4-dc8190c88af2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2847%29_2.png" />

The electoral reform comes as a disappointment to some local groups, including FLNKS, who want Macron to put it on hold. But&nbsp;Paris says the reforms are&nbsp;needed to improve democracy on the island. The reform would allow French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday (May 23) police reinforcements in New Caledonia would remain as long as required. Macron arrived in the Pacific island in order to try to end deadly riots triggered by a contested electoral reform.

President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday (May 23) police reinforcements in New Caledonia would remain as long as required. Macron arrived in the Pacific island in order to try to end deadly riots triggered by a contested electoral reform. Unrest erupting over a week ago has resulted in six deaths, widespread looting, and burnt vehicles and businesses. To quell the violence, French authorities have deployed hundreds of extra police officers. With the island under a state of emergency, Macron said the additional security of 3,000 personnel would remain, even during the Paris Olympics if required. "In the coming days, massive operations will be scheduled where necessary, and republican order in its entirety will be re-established because there is no other choice," Macron said during a meeting with political and business leaders of the island. "I believe that the state of emergency should not be extended," Macron said, adding it would be lifted only when protesters remove the roadblocks. Demonstrators are worried that the electoral reform, which has already been approved by lawmakers in mainland France, located some 16,000 km (10,000 miles) away, will diminish the voting power of indigenous Kanaks, who constitute 40% of the island's population of 270,000 people. Since it is a constitutional reform, it necessitates a meeting of both houses of parliament for it to be ratified and Macron has yet to announce a date for the same. Peace top priority Since the unrest thousands of tourists have been stranded with France, Australia and New Zealand organising flights to extract hundreds of people. Macron told reporters on Thursday that a return to peace and security would be among the top priorities of his trip. "My aim here, along with the ministers and the whole government, is to stand by the people," Macron said. "I am determined to do everything to bring about a return to calm, with a great deal of respect, humility with a thought for the victims," he further said. The electoral reform comes as a disappointment to some local groups, including FLNKS, who want Macron to put it on hold. But Paris says the reforms are needed to improve democracy on the island. The reform would allow French residents who have lived in New Caledonia for 10 years to vote in provincial elections. (With inputs from agencies)

New Caledonia unrest: Macron says troops will stay for as long as needed

A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists on the Pacific island after a week of riots.

The activist group organising the protests in the French-ruled territory, Field Action Co-ordination Cell (CCAT), said in a statement on Monday blockades would continue, urging protestors to use a peaceful approach.

Road blocks were making it difficult to supply food to stores in several areas and provide secure travel for medical staff, New Caledonia government officials said.

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"It's important to point out that the problem is not so much a lack of staff, medical and food supplies but more importantly an access problem," a government statement said.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said "the situation there is deeply concerning", after night when there was fire and looting.

France's top official in the territory, Louis Le Franc, said on Sunday evening a police operation to regain control of the road from the capital Noumea to the international airport would take several days. Gendarmes had dismantled 76 road blocks.

Albanese told ABC radio that Australia had been seeking approval from French authorities for two days to send an evacuation flight to New Caledonia to pick up tourists stranded in hotels.

Around 300 Australians have registered with consular officials in the French territory, which lies in the southwest Pacific, some 1,500 km (930 miles) east of Australia.

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"The international airport remains closed, roads have been damaged, there are blockades in place," Albanese said.

"We continue to pursue approvals because the Australian Defence Force is ready to fly when it's permitted to do so," he added.

There are around 3,200 people stuck waiting to leave or enter New Caledonia as commercial flights have been cancelled due to the unrest that broke out last week, the local government said.

New Zealand defence aircraft were also on standby to bring New Zealand nationals home, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.

"We are ready to fly, and await approval from French authorities as to when our flights are safe to proceed," he wrote on social media platform X on Sunday.

Protests erupted last week sparked by anger among indigenous Kanak people over a constitutional amendment approved in France that will change who is allowed to participate in elections, which local leaders fear will dilute the Kanak vote.

Six people have been killed and the unrest has left a trail of burnt businesses, torched cars, looted shops, and road barricades, cutting off access to medicine and food.

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Three of those killed were indigenous Kanak youths and two were police officers. A sixth person was killed on Saturday during a gun battle between two groups at a roadblock, French police said.

The business chamber said 150 companies had been looted and burnt.

Pro-independence political parties said they want the French government to withdraw the electoral reform before they restart talks.

A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists on the Pacific island after a week of riots.

A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists on the Pacific island after a week of riots. The activist group organising the protests in the French-ruled territory, Field Action Co-ordination Cell (CCAT), said in a statement on Monday blockades would continue, urging protestors to use a peaceful approach. Road blocks were making it difficult to supply food to stores in several areas and provide secure travel for medical staff, New Caledonia government officials said. Also read: Iran President Ebrahim Raisi dies in chopper crash "It's important to point out that the problem is not so much a lack of staff, medical and food supplies but more importantly an access problem," a government statement said. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said "the situation there is deeply concerning", after night when there was fire and looting. France's top official in the territory, Louis Le Franc, said on Sunday evening a police operation to regain control of the road from the capital Noumea to the international airport would take several days. Gendarmes had dismantled 76 road blocks. Albanese told ABC radio that Australia had been seeking approval from French authorities for two days to send an evacuation flight to New Caledonia to pick up tourists stranded in hotels. Around 300 Australians have registered with consular officials in the French territory, which lies in the southwest Pacific, some 1,500 km (930 miles) east of Australia. Also read: Lai Ching-te sworn in as Taiwan's new president, promises 'defence awareness' "The international airport remains closed, roads have been damaged, there are blockades in place," Albanese said. "We continue to pursue approvals because the Australian Defence Force is ready to fly when it's permitted to do so," he added. There are around 3,200 people stuck waiting to leave or enter New Caledonia as commercial flights have been cancelled due to the unrest that broke out last week, the local government said. New Zealand defence aircraft were also on standby to bring New Zealand nationals home, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said. "We are ready to fly, and await approval from French authorities as to when our flights are safe to proceed," he wrote on social media platform X on Sunday. Protests erupted last week sparked by anger among indigenous Kanak people over a constitutional amendment approved in France that will change who is allowed to participate in elections, which local leaders fear will dilute the Kanak vote. Six people have been killed and the unrest has left a trail of burnt businesses, torched cars, looted shops, and road barricades, cutting off access to medicine and food. Also read: US NSA appeals Netanyahu to link Gaza war with 'political strategy' Three of those killed were indigenous Kanak youths and two were police officers. A sixth person was killed on Saturday during a gun battle between two groups at a roadblock, French police said. The business chamber said 150 companies had been looted and burnt. Pro-independence political parties said they want the French government to withdraw the electoral reform before they restart talks.

Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in

New Caledonia's high commissioner said on Tuesday (May 14) that shots had been fired at security forces during riots in the French Pacific territory.

Many shops were looted and vehicles were also torched during the riots.

"No deaths have been reported so far," the High Commissioner of the Republic Louis Le Franc said, adding that, "shots were fired at the gendarmes using high calibre weapons and hunting rifles".

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Protests in New Caledonia over voting reforms turned violent on Monday (May 13), prompting authorities to impose a curfew and ban public gatherings.

During the unrest, car dealerships and a factory were set on fire in the capital Noumea. Several supermarkets were also looted in Noumea and the neighbouring towns of Dumbea and Mont-Dore.

"A nearby police station was on fire and a car was also torched in front of my house. There was non-stop shouting and explosions, I felt like I was in a war," said Sylvie, an eyewitness.

Around 36 people were arrested and 30 police officers were injured, according to authorities.

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"Very intense public order turbulence took place last night in Noumea and in neighbouring municipalities, and are still ongoing at this time," the high commission, the representative of the French state in New Caledonia, said in a statement Tuesday.

The authorities have closed schools and colleges until further notice and the international airport is also shut.

New Zealand said on Tuesday that Foreign Minister Winston Peters had cancelled his visit to New Caledonia due to the unrest.

The New Caledonia government has appealed for reason and calm.

<h2>Frozen voter lists</h2>

On Monday (May 13), tensions flared in New Caledonia as protests erupted against a proposed voting reform under debate in Paris.&nbsp;

The reform aims to increase the number of eligible voters in the territory's provincial elections.&nbsp;

France vowed in the Noumea Accord of 1998 to gradually give more political power to the Pacific island territory of nearly 300,000 people.

Under the agreement, New Caledonia has held three referendums over its ties with France, all rejecting independence.

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The pro-independence Indigenous Kanaks rejected the result of the last referendum held in December 2021.

Due to the Noumea Accord, New Caledonia's voter rolls haven't been updated since 1998. This excludes residents who've moved to the island from mainland France or anywhere else in the past 25 years from participating in provincial elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

New Caledonia's high commissioner said on Tuesday (May 14) that shots had been fired at security forces during riots in the French Pacific territory. Many shops were looted and vehicles were also torched during the riots.

New Caledonia's high commissioner said on Tuesday (May 14) that shots had been fired at security forces during riots in the French Pacific territory. Many shops were looted and vehicles were also torched during the riots. "No deaths have been reported so far," the High Commissioner of the Republic Louis Le Franc said, adding that, "shots were fired at the gendarmes using high calibre weapons and hunting rifles". Also read: Trump's fixer-turned-foe says he was told to 'handle' hush money payments Protests in New Caledonia over voting reforms turned violent on Monday (May 13), prompting authorities to impose a curfew and ban public gatherings. During the unrest, car dealerships and a factory were set on fire in the capital Noumea. Several supermarkets were also looted in Noumea and the neighbouring towns of Dumbea and Mont-Dore. "A nearby police station was on fire and a car was also torched in front of my house. There was non-stop shouting and explosions, I felt like I was in a war," said Sylvie, an eyewitness. Around 36 people were arrested and 30 police officers were injured, according to authorities. Also read: Collapsed Baltimore bridge blown up in controlled blast: Watch "Very intense public order turbulence took place last night in Noumea and in neighbouring municipalities, and are still ongoing at this time," the high commission, the representative of the French state in New Caledonia, said in a statement Tuesday. The authorities have closed schools and colleges until further notice and the international airport is also shut. New Zealand said on Tuesday that Foreign Minister Winston Peters had cancelled his visit to New Caledonia due to the unrest. The New Caledonia government has appealed for reason and calm. Frozen voter lists On Monday (May 13), tensions flared in New Caledonia as protests erupted against a proposed voting reform under debate in Paris. The reform aims to increase the number of eligible voters in the territory's provincial elections. France vowed in the Noumea Accord of 1998 to gradually give more political power to the Pacific island territory of nearly 300,000 people. Under the agreement, New Caledonia has held three referendums over its ties with France, all rejecting independence. Also read: Mumbai hoarding collapse: Billboard recognised in Limca Book of Records, not authorised by BMC The pro-independence Indigenous Kanaks rejected the result of the last referendum held in December 2021. Due to the Noumea Accord, New Caledonia's voter rolls haven't been updated since 1998. This excludes residents who've moved to the island from mainland France or anywhere else in the past 25 years from participating in provincial elections. (With inputs from agencies)

New Caledonia unrest turns violent, shots fired at security forces