Macron Hosts Élysée Talks to Rescue New Caledonia Deal as FLNKS Stays Away

Overview

• Emmanuel Macron convened New Caledonian parties at the Élysée on January 16 to restart stalled institutional talks around the Bougival text.
• The FLNKS refused to attend in person and has asked to participate by videoconference, leaving the meeting without the main pro‑independence force.
• The Élysée says it is not reopening negotiations and instead will issue a complementary paper clarifying the agreement, expected by Monday.
• Unfreezing the electoral roll remains unresolved, raising the prospect that about 40,000 residents could be left off the June provincial ballots.
• Officials frame the effort as clarifying the “July 12 agreement,” while a former high commissioner warns a durable outcome is unlikely without the FLNKS.