As Macron Departs, Both Sides in New Caledonia Unrest Dig In

The visit of French President Emmanuel Macron—and his promise to put on hold controversial viting reforms—seems to have done little to quell the conflict.

French President Emmanuel Macron visits the central police station with France's Minister for Interior and Overseas Gerald Darmanin (R) in Noumea, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia on May 23, 2024. France's president made a long-haul trip to the restive Pacific territory of New Caledonia on on May 23, urging a "return to peace" after deadly rioting, and vowing thousands of military reinforcements will be deployed for "as long as necessary". (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP) Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

French President Emmanuel Macron has backed down from a demand that protesters in New Caledonia dismantle all their barricades before he would lift a state of emergency on the island.

The president’s office said in a statement that it will not be extended “for the moment” and therefore end on May 27 at 8 p.m. in Paris, which is 5 a.m. on May 28 in Noméa.