French President pauses New Caledonia election reform after clashes

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced the suspension of the controversial electoral reform in New Caledonia, following widespread protests and clashes with police on the Pacific islands, Report informs via Reuters.

The unrest began in April 2024 when the French government proposed a bill that would expand voting rights for French citizens living in New Caledonia.

In April of this year, Paris decided to grant voting rights to everyone who has lived in New Caledonia for more than 10 years, including Europeans. This led to protests that escalated into clashes with the police. Macron decided to send troops to the islands.