The image of New Caledonia as an idyllic, palm-fringed slice of France in the Pacific Ocean has been shattered by an outbreak of violence, undercutting President Emmanuel Macron¡¯s efforts to retain, and even extend, Paris¡¯ influence overseas.
Just over a week into the unrest, Macron made the 17,000-kilometer trip to the archipelago, hoping to restore confidence at a time when China and other powers are eager to press their advantage in the region, especially in resource-rich islands such as these.
Instead, the turbulence ¡ª rooted in long-standing economic strain and triggered by contentious new rules to extend the voting population ¡ª has developed into a lasting problem for the Elysee.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.