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 — rooted in long-standing economic strain and triggered by contentious new rules to extend the voting population — has developed into a lasting problem for the Elysee.
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