France Emergency: French PM declares state of emergency in New Caledonia as four killed in riots

France New Caledonia Emergency:French Prime MinisterGabriel Attal signed a decreeon Wednesday (May 15) declaring a state of emergency in New Caledonia as violence erupted there over electoral reforms, resulting in the deaths of three indigenous Kanak youths and a police official."No violence will be tolerated," said PM Attaland added that measure "will allow us to roll out massive means to restore order."

The unrest stemmed from a new bill granting voting rights to French residents residing in the Pacific island for a decade. The indigenous Kanak people, the original inhabitants of New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the Pacific, are fearful that the reforms will dilute the balance of power for them. With a heavy police presence and a ban on gatherings, the government is vying to restore order amid escalating tensions and looting.

France New Caledonia Emergency

Following the Assemblée Nationale's (lower house of French Parliament) affirmative vote on Wednesday (May 15), the constitutional reform concerning the electorate in the French overseas territory is set to proceed to the next stage of legislation. The government's proposed legislation was previously endorsedby the French Senate (upper house) on2 April.

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In the lower house, the new bill garnered 351 votes in favour and 153 against. Reports had said that a joint sitting of both Houses could be held over the new bill as early as 27 May. The move has sparked opposition from the pro-independence movement in the territory. They are expressing concerns that the new bill will lead to potential electoral marginalisation of the Kanak community.

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The rioting resulted in the killing of a 24-year-old police official who succumbed to injuries in a gunshot.

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Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said, "He took off his helmet (to speak to residents) and he was shot right in the head."

France's overseas territory

In 1853, France annexed New Caledonia during the colonial era when European powers were expanding their territories around the world.France claimed New Caledonia, and established it as a French penal colony in 1864. In 1946, New Caledonia became an overseas territory of France.

(With inputs from agencies)