Macron Halts New Caledonia Voting Reforms After Deadly Clashes

Suspension aims to restore order and open dialogue following violent unrest over proposed electoral changes.

The reforms would have extended voting rights to long-term non-Indigenous residents, sparking fears of marginalization among Indigenous Kanaks.
Nine people died in the worst violence the archipelago has seen in decades, prompting a state of emergency and troop reinforcements.
Macron's decision coincides with the dissolution of the French National Assembly and upcoming snap elections.
Local leaders and pro-independence movements had already considered the reforms effectively dead due to the political turmoil.
The French government has extended a curfew in New Caledonia and urged the removal of barricades to return to peace.