Unrest continues

New Caledonia: Man shot dead after Macron visit

Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron promised to listen to the people of New Caledonia and not to push through the electoral reform.

(Bild: APA/AP)

French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron traveled to the French overseas territory of New Caledonia due to the ongoing unrest in order to, in his own words, "stand by the people" and act as a mediator. But one day after his departure, the next death occurred.

A 48-year-old man was shot dead by police on Friday, several local media reported, citing the public prosecutor's office. One broadcaster reported that two officers had been attacked by a group of around 15 people. One of the police officers then used his weapon. 

Riots have claimed seven lives so far
The public prosecutor's office could not initially be reached for comment. So far, a total of seven people have been killed in the unrest in the French overseas territory, which has been going on for almost two weeks.

The fire that was started in New Caledonia has not yet been extinguished.

(Bild: APA/AP)

The unrest, which broke out over a week ago and left several dead and numerous injured, was triggered by a planned constitutional reform by the government in Paris. This is intended to give thousands of citizens of French origin the right to vote and therefore more political influence if they have lived there for at least ten years. Supporters of independence for the archipelago are opposed to this.

Indigenous people fear for their influence
The protesters fear that the electoral law reform passed in faraway Paris will reduce the influence of the indigenous Kanaks, who make up 40 percent of the island's 270,000 inhabitants. New Caledonia is particularly important to France in military and geopolitical terms, as well as due to its large nickel deposits.