New Caledonia unrest: Macron says troops will stay for as long as needed
Macron arrives in riot-hit New Caledonia for high-stakes talks
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 operationswill 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.
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"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.
Peacetop 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. ButParis says the reforms areneeded 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)