French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in New Caledonia this Thursday morning amid escalating violence that has resulted in the deaths of six people, including two gendarmes, in the past ten days. Addressing the situation at the central police station in Nouméa, Macron described the ongoing unrest as an “absolutely unprecedented insurrection movement” and commended the “coolness” and “professionalism” of the police and gendarmes on the ground. He emphasized the government's commitment to restoring order, acknowledging that the days and weeks ahead will remain challenging.
To navigate the crisis, Macron has proposed the establishment of a dialogue mission comprised of three senior officials. This mission will stay in New Caledonia “as long as necessary” to foster a local political dialogue aimed at achieving a comprehensive political agreement, as detailed by Gabriel Attal before the Senate.
In a separate incident, a 26-year-old man was arrested in Eysines (Gironde) for allegedly planning violent action during the Olympic torch relay in Bordeaux. The man, suspected to be a sympathizer of the violent and misogynistic Incel movement, was detained and is being prosecuted for “apology of crime and criminal association,” according to Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin.
Simultaneously, geopolitical tensions have escalated in East Asia. China initiated large-scale military maneuvers around Taiwan, deploying ships and planes in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's inauguration speech, which China interpreted as a declaration of Taiwan's independence. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province, yet to be reunified with the mainland since the Chinese civil war ended in 1949.
In France, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal is set to debate Jordan Bardella of the National Rally list in the European elections on France 2, amidst the backdrop of a potential social movement by unions of France Télévisions and Radio France protesting against the proposed mergers of public audiovisual companies.
- For residents of departments 1 to 19 and French citizens abroad, today marks the final day to file tax returns online, ending a six-week period that began on April 11. Regions 20 to 54 have an extra week, while regions 55 and overseas have until June 6 to complete their declarations.
- The IMF has projected a public deficit of 4.5% of GDP by 2027, contrasting with the French government's forecast of 2.9%. Additionally, around 10% of the 196 largest cities in France are expected to see property tax rates increase in 2024, with some cities experiencing significant hikes.
- In an alarming turn of events, wiretaps have revealed the high level of danger posed by Mohamed Amra, a fugitive whose escape on May 14 led to the deaths of two prison officers. Despite his detention, Amra has continued his criminal activities with an apparent sense of impunity.
