Editorial: Le Monde

• Michel Barnier’s new government is facing challenges, specifically the urgency of the situation in New Caledonia.
• France’s attempt at decolonisation in the territory has not been successful so far.
• Previous referendums on independence have not resolved the situation.
• Macron failed by attempting to manipulate the situation through the issue of the electoral body, resulting in a bloody impasse.
• The immediate decision of the new government is whether to proceed with or delay provincial elections.
• Personal and food insecurity as well as political radicalisation is making it difficult to hold serene elections.
• Barnier must handle the New Caledonia dossier in a transversal manner and break previous fragmentation to take control.
• A budgetary decision is required to rebuild the territory, estimated to be at least a billion euros annually for five years.
• Lessons must be learned from the political crash in New Caledonia, the question of electoral body cannot be separated from discussions about sovereignty and citizenship.

Conclusion: The urgency lies in resuming broad and patient dialogue and rigorous state impartiality to restore the minimum trust needed for the return of civil peace.

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