En déplacement dans l’archipel pour tenter d’aboutir à un accord politique entre indépendantistes et non-indépendantistes, le ministre des outre-mer s’est vu reprocher ses récentes déclarations sur les accords de Nouméa.
Manuel Valls, France's Overseas Minister, faced jeering from loyalist protesters during his February 22, 2025, visit to New Caledonia. His aim was to facilitate a political agreement between independence and anti-independence factions, amid the region's deep divisions and post-2024 riot turmoil. Loyalists were angered by Valls' assertion that the Nouméa Accords must be upheld, viewing it as a threat. Valls emphasized his comments aligned with the French Constitution, addressing loyalist fears and stressing the need for peace and economic stability. He also clashed with a deputy over the term "peuple premier," advocating for inclusivity. Valls' eight-day visit included meetings with political and economic leaders.
