A year after deadly riots, New Caledonia’s president vows to address push for independence

One year after the devastating riots in Nouméa that disrupted New Caledonia’s economy and social fabric, President Alcide Ponga faces efforts to revive his pro-France administration as he seeks to steer the territory back on track. As an indigenous Kanak, Ponga champions economic revitalization through improved nickel production and tax reforms while grappling with deep divisions over independence from France. The territory's population decline has strained public services, complicating health care and governance amid ongoing political tensions that have seen four referendums on independence all result in "no" votes despite disputes about their legitimacy.