Why France’s Overseas Territories Really Don't Like Macron

Summary

France faces escalating unrest in its overseas territories, including New Caledonia and Mayotte, due to proposed voting reforms and citizenship law changes. The government's deployment of security forces and hardline response has been criticized, while economic disparities and underinvestment exacerbate tensions. Despite growing discontent, secession seems unlikely as territories rely heavily on French financial support.

Takeaways

• 🗺️ France launched a military operation in New Caledonia to regain control after riots over indigenous voting reforms.
• 🔄 This is the second security crisis in France's overseas territories this year, following unrest in Mayotte over citizenship law.
• 🏝️ France has five overseas regions and six overseas collectivities, which are remnants of its colonial empire.
• 📉 The overseas territories suffer from higher poverty rates, lower GDP per capita, and inadequate infrastructure compared to mainland France.
• 🚨 Recent violence in New Caledonia was triggered by a constitutional change that would give non-indigenous residents voting rights.
• 🛑 In response to unrest, France deployed additional security forces and imposed a curfew and airport shutdown in New Caledonia.
• 🏥 The French government has been criticized for neglecting the overseas territories, leading to underinvestment and social issues.
• 🤔 There is a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction with French governance in the territories, but secession seems unlikely.
• 🗳️ In the 2022 presidential election, overseas territories largely voted for Marine Le Pen, indicating discontent with Macron's policies.
• 🌐 A rise in anti-French sentiment globally, particularly in former colonies, might be influencing attitudes in France's overseas territories.

Q & A

What triggered the violent unrest in New Caledonia?

The violent unrest in New Caledonia was triggered by voting reforms that would give non-indigenous residents voting rights, leading to protests and severe escalation of violence.

How many soldiers did France deploy to New Caledonia to restore order?

France deployed 600 soldiers to New Caledonia to regain control of the territory after the riots.

What measures did French authorities take to contain the unrest in New Caledonia?

To contain the unrest, French authorities introduced a curfew, shut down the international airport, banned TikTok, and deployed an additional 1,000 security personnel.

What are the main reasons for tensions between France and its overseas territories?

Tensions between France and its overseas territories stem from economic inequalities, underinvestment in infrastructure, poor health facilities, and a perception of being overlooked by the central government in Paris.

What economic challenges do France’s overseas territories face compared to mainland France?

France’s overseas territories have much lower GDP per capita, higher poverty rates, and suffer from higher rates of murder and armed robbery compared to mainland France.

Why is President Macron unpopular in France’s overseas territories?

President Macron is unpopular due to his government's failure to address economic inequalities, improve infrastructure, and his hardline security approach to unrest. His refusal to grant greater autonomy to some territories also contributed to his unpopularity.

What led to unrest in Mayotte in recent months?

Unrest in Mayotte was sparked by the French government's reform to end birthright citizenship and the subsequent deployment of 1,700 security personnel to crack down on illegal immigration and crime.

How did France’s overseas territories vote in the 2022 presidential election?

In the 2022 presidential election, France's overseas territories voted overwhelmingly for Marine Le Pen, with her receiving 70% of the vote in Guadeloupe and 60% in Martinique, French Guiana, and Mayotte.

Why do France’s overseas territories hesitate to pursue independence?

France’s overseas territories hesitate to pursue independence due to concerns over losing financial support from France, as well as fears that independence might lead to economic instability.

What role does France’s colonial past play in the current unrest in its overseas territories?

The lingering memory of French colonialism contributes to the unrest, as there is growing anti-French sentiment in many regions, similar to the anti-French sentiment seen in former African colonies like Mali and Niger.

Outlines

00:00

🚨 France's Response to Unrest in New Caledonia

On Sunday, France launched a major military operation involving 600 soldiers to regain control of New Caledonia, following violent riots triggered by indigenous voting reforms. The archipelago has been in a state of emergency since, with the French High Commissioner declaring that order will be restored at any cost. This marks the second security crisis in France's overseas territories this year, following similar unrest in Mayotte over citizenship law reforms. Presidents of other French overseas regions have openly criticized the government’s reforms, further fueling tensions between Paris and its overseas territories.

05:02

🌍 Overview of France’s Overseas Territories

France’s overseas regions, including French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, La Réunion, and Mayotte, are considered equal to its internal regions. There are also six semi-autonomous overseas collectivities and New Caledonia, an autonomous territory. These territories are remnants of France's colonial empire and have historically experienced tensions with Paris due to economic inequalities and perceived neglect. Recent constitutional changes granting voting rights to non-indigenous residents in New Caledonia have escalated violence, prompting the deployment of additional French security forces and severe restrictions to curb unrest.

⚖️ Economic Inequality and Tensions with Paris

France’s overseas territories suffer from significantly lower GDP per capita, higher poverty rates, and higher crime rates compared to mainland France. Chronic underinvestment in infrastructure and healthcare has exacerbated these problems, with the UN recently calling out France for its neglect. While Paris might argue that these territories are net fiscal recipients, the local populations feel overlooked. Recent protests and unrest, particularly in Mayotte and New Caledonia, highlight the growing dissatisfaction with the French government's handling of economic and political issues in these regions.

💼 Macron’s Strained Leadership in Overseas Territories

French President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership has been unpopular in overseas territories, especially due to his administration’s failure to address deep economic disparities and improve infrastructure. His dismissive comments during visits, like telling residents of French Guiana that he’s 'not Santa Claus,' have been perceived as patronizing. Macron has also rotated four ministers for overseas territories within two years, preventing a coherent long-term strategy. His hardline security approach and refusal to consider greater autonomy have further alienated pro-independence voters, leading to overwhelming support for his opponent, Marine Le Pen, in the 2022 elections.

🌍 Lingering Impact of French Colonialism

The memory of French colonialism remains a sensitive issue, influencing politics and public sentiment in overseas territories. While not the primary cause of unrest, a global wave of anti-French sentiment, particularly in Africa, has had ripple effects. Former French colonies in Africa have recently expelled French troops, and this anti-colonial stance may be encouraging a similar attitude in France’s overseas regions. However, despite growing discontent, independence movements remain weak due to concerns about financial support and the lack of viable paths for secession or greater autonomy.

🔮 Future Prospects for France’s Overseas Territories

Secession from France seems unlikely in the near future despite rising discontent. Past referendums, such as those in Guadeloupe and New Caledonia, resulted in votes against greater autonomy due to concerns about losing financial aid from Paris. The French political class currently shows no signs of wanting to relinquish control over these territories. Even if a future leader adopts a more relaxed stance on autonomy or secession, major changes are not expected soon, especially since there is no legal or constitutional route for independence without Paris’s consent.

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Keywords

💡New Caledonia

New Caledonia is an overseas territory of France located in the Pacific Ocean. It has a history of tensions between the indigenous Kanak population and settlers who wish to remain part of France. The unrest and riots mentioned in the video script are a result of proposed voting reforms that have stirred up these tensions, leading to a state of emergency being declared by the French government [^1^].

💡Indigenous voting reforms

The indigenous voting reforms refer to changes proposed by the French government that would alter the voting rights in New Caledonia. These reforms have been met with significant opposition, particularly from the indigenous population, who fear that they could lead to a further erosion of their rights and influence in the territory [^1^].

💡State of emergency

A state of emergency is a situation in which the government suspends normal functions and imposes special regulations in response to an urgent crisis. In the context of the video, France declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia due to the violent unrest that erupted over indigenous voting reforms [^11^].

💡French High Commissioner

The French High Commissioner is a representative of the French government in an overseas territory. They are responsible for upholding French law and order. In the video script, the High Commissioner of New Caledonia has warned of reestablishing Republican order at any cost, indicating a strong stance against the unrest [^11^].

💡Overseas territories

France's overseas territories include regions and collectivities that are administratively equal or semi-autonomous in relation to mainland France. These territories, such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana, have been experiencing tensions with Paris due to perceived economic and political neglect [^1^].

💡Security crisis

A security crisis refers to a situation that poses a significant threat to stability and public order. The video discusses the security crisis in France's overseas territories, particularly in New Caledonia and Mayotte, where riots and unrest have led to the deployment of additional security forces to maintain order [^1^].

💡Macron's government

Macron's government refers to the administration of French President Emmanuel Macron. The video script criticizes the government's handling of the voting reforms and its response to the unrest in the overseas territories, suggesting that its actions have provoked further anger [^1^].

💡Neocolonialism

Neocolonialism is the practice of influencing or controlling former colonies in economic, political, or cultural ways without direct military occupation. The video suggests a renewed interest in French neocolonialism as a factor contributing to the deteriorating relations between France and its overseas territories [^1^].

💡Self-determination

Self-determination is the right of a people to determine their own political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. The video mentions that despite the unrest and calls for greater autonomy, there are no immediate prospects for independence referendums in the overseas territories [^1^].

💡Financial support

Financial support from Paris to its overseas territories is a significant factor in their economies. The video notes that while there is resentment towards France's governance, there is also concern about the potential loss of financial support that comes with greater independence [^1^].

Highlights

France launched a 600-soldier operation to regain control of New Caledonia after riots.

Violent unrest in New Caledonia was triggered by indigenous voting reforms.

The High Commissioner warned of reestablishing Republican order at any cost.

This is the second security crisis in France's overseas territories this year.

Riots in Mayotte were due to changes in citizenship law.

Presidents of four overseas regions criticized voting reforms in an open letter to Macron.

France has five overseas regions and six overseas collectivities, collectively called DOM-TOM.

New Caledonia's constitutional change would give non-indigenous residents voting rights.

Mayotte faced riots and gang violence due to the end of birthright citizenship.

Overseas territories have lower GDP per capita and higher poverty rates than mainland France.

UN urged France to address chronic underinvestment in infrastructure and health in overseas territories.

Macron's government has failed to address economic inequalities and invest in infrastructure.

Macron's responses to overseas issues have been seen as patronizing.

Macron's hardline security response to unrest has made him unpopular.

Overseas territories voted overwhelmingly for Marine Le Pen in the 2022 presidential election.

Politicians globally have become more hostile to France's postcolonial influence.

Secession from France is unlikely in the near future.

Financial support from Paris is a concern for territories considering greater independence.

No constitutional or legal route to independence without Paris's consent.

The French political class is not showing signs of relinquishing control over overseas territories.

Transcripts

on Sunday France launched a 600 Soldier

strong operation to regain control of

its overseas territory New Caledonia

after it was racked by riots violent

unrest broke out over indigenous voting

reforms last week and the archipelago

has since been in a state of emergency

with its High Commissioner warning that

Republican order will be reestablished

whatever the cost this is the second

security crisis in France's overseas

territories this year after rioting

broke out in myot over re to its

citizenship law meanwhile the presidents

of France's four other overseas regions

LA guad martinque and French Guyana also

criticized the voting reforms in an open

letter to macron's government which just

seems to be provoking more and more

anger in its overseas territories so in

this video we'll take a look at the

current situation across France's

overseas territories why their relations

with Paris are deteriorating and what

might happen next

before we start if you haven't already

please consider subscribing and ringing

the bell to stay in the loop and be

notified when we release new videos so

let's start with some context outside

Europe France has five overseas regions

French Guyana guad Martin launo and

mayot that are administratively equal to

any one of France's internal regions

then France also has a further six

overseas collectivities which are

semi-autonomous plus one additional

autonomous territory New Caledonia

collectively called the drum comom

they're all left over from France's

Colonial Empire which once covered 10%

of the world's land area stretching

right across from the Caribbean to the

Pacific now we've recently made videos

on the social unrest in both new calonia

and mayot so we won't go into too much

detail here but as a quick recap France

announced a constitutional change in New

calonia that would give tens of

thousands of non-indigenous residents

voting rights which triggered a severe

escalation of violence last week as a

result French authorities have

introduced a curfew shut down the

international airport and even banned

Tik Tok whilst the French national

government has deployed an additional

1,000 security Personnel to Stave off a

potential ethnic conflict there's been

similar scenes in myot over the last few

months too with riots and gang violence

gripping the island last month following

the introduction of a reform to end the

practice of Birthright citizenship in

myot the French government deployed some

1,700 security person to run a second

clamp down operation dubbed mayot plus

net or clean up mayot which basically

aims to destroy Shanty towns and crack

down on illegal immigration and violent

crime now while these are clearly quite

acute crises relations between Paris and

its overseas territories have always

been a bit tense largely because they're

a lot poorer than Mainland France and

because there's a sense among the

populations of these territories that

they're overlooked by Paris the overseas

territories have gdps per capita far

lower than the rest of France as well as

far higher poverty rates French Guyana

guad Lop Martinique and mayot also have

the highest rates of murder and armed

robbery out of all of France's regions

these territories have also suffered

from chronic underinvestment in

infrastructure and health facilities to

the point that the UN this year urged

France to get a hold of the situation

following what they call years of

negligence by the French State Paris

would probably argue that all of these

territories are nonetheless net fiscal

recipients I.E they receive more in

public funds than they pay in taxes but

there's still a sense in these

territories that they receive less

political attention than regions inside

Metropolitan France nonetheless even if

things have always been a bit tense

relations with Paris have been

deteriorating recently as evidenced by

the crisis in mayot and new calonia so

what explains this trend well we've got

a couple of suggestions firstly France's

current leadership and secondly A

Renewed interest in what's sometimes

called French

neocolonialism let's take the first

issue current leadership basically

macron isn't very popular in these

overseas territories largely because his

government has failed to address the

economic inequalities we just mentioned

or invest enough in the Region's

crumbling infrastructure some of his

responses to this have also been

regarded as patronizing for example when

he visited French Guyana for the first

time after becoming president in 2017 he

was asked about the possibility of

building a new hospital and replied I'm

not Santa Claus the fact mcon has cycled

through four overseas ministers in just

the last 2 years has also prevented his

government from coming up with a serious

or sustainable overseas strategy on top

of that macron's Hardline security

focused response to overseas unrest and

his refusal to seriously consider

greater autonomy for places like new

calonia and guad loop has made him

particularly unpopular with the more

pro-independence parts of the overseas

electorate this is why in the 2022

presidential election the overseas

territories voted overwhelmingly for

marine Leen who transed macron with a

massive 70% of the vote in guadaloop a

phenomenal increase from just 25% in

2017 and she received roughly 60% of the

vote in matinik French Guyana LA and

mayot now the second issue is the

lingering memory of French colonialism

this might sound a bit more speculative

but it does seem like in the past few

years politicians globally have become

more hostile to France's lingering

postcolonial influence especially in

Africa this is most obviously apparent

in former French colonies like marlei

bikina FAS and niia which have all

kicked French troops off their territory

recently and might soon be followed by

Sagal so it's not implausible to suggest

that this wave of anti-f French

sentiment has encouraged a similar

feeling in the overseas territories so

what does this all mean for the future

well whilst there might be a rising

sense that France is failing its

overseas territories secession looks

unlikely in the near future there are no

Independence referendums on the horizon

and whilst overseas populations might be

angry about France's governance they

also often fearful of what greater

independence from France might mean for

example when maluk and guad Lup held a

referendum on gaining more autonomy from

France back in 2010 both voted against

it due to concerns that it would lead to

less financial support something similar

is true in myot which has reservations

about its place in France but is very

much aware that financial support from

Paris has made it way wealthier than its

neighbors especially the

comos moreover given that new calonia

has voted against Independence in

multiple referendum

there's no constitutional or legal route

to Independence and further autonomy let

alone Independence would probably

require the consent of Paris now it's

possible that a future president might

be more relaxed about giving them up if

for instance the French electorate get

fed up of subsidizing them or anxious

about the number of immigrants arriving

on the territories which is what

motivated the abolition of Birthright

citizenship in myot nonetheless at the

moment the French political class isn't

showing any signs of wanting to

relinquish control and we're unlikely to

see any real changes in policy anytime

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