Overview

• Manuel Valls held a two‑and‑a‑half‑hour closed meeting in Nouméa with an FLNKS delegation that declined comment and will report to leader Christian Tein, who is under judicial control and barred from residing in the territory.
• Valls urged traditional and political leaders to “seize the historic opportunity,” arguing there is no credible alternative and warning of stalled nickel rescues, prolonged health‑worker shortages and widening inequalities without a deal.
• The FLNKS reiterated its opposition in a communiqué, rejecting what it called state pressure and demanding no postponement of provincial elections and a clear timeline to full sovereignty before 2027.
• The Bougival accord signed on July 12 would create a sui generis State of New Caledonia with its own nationality within the French Constitution and, according to supporters, includes delaying provincial elections to mid‑2026; it is backed by Palika, UPM, L’Éveil océanien and loyalist parties, with FLNKS alone opposed.
• Valls is also meeting provincial presidents, mayors and customary leaders, with the effort framed by the 2024 unrest that left 14 dead and caused multi‑billion‑euro damage and a sharp hit to GDP, according to official estimates.