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Alcohol sales banned in New Caledonia as election approaches

From RNZ Pacific · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • New Caledonia has banned alcohol sales until June 28, the day of the provincial elections, to prevent public unrest.
  • The ban aims to curb public disorder amid a tense social and economic situation, with law enforcement targeted by violence.
  • Voters are concerned about public services, cost of living, housing, and jobs, while political parties campaign for the upcoming elections.

Authorities in New Caledonia have implemented a ban on alcohol sales, effective from Monday until midnight on Sunday, June 28, coinciding with the provincial elections. This measure, enforced by the French High Commission, aims to prevent public unrest and maintain order during the sensitive electoral period.

There's a lot of concern about the current state of public services, particularly around health and public transport, both of which have suffered since the 2024 crisis.

— Nic MaclellanSenior journalist Nic Maclellan discussing voter concerns in New Caledonia ahead of the provincial elections.

The ban on both the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages comes amidst a backdrop of heightened social and economic tension in the French Pacific territory. The High Commission noted that law enforcement agencies, including police and gendarmerie, have been subjected to attacks, such as stone-throwing, highlighting the volatile environment.

This is not the first time such a measure has been enacted. Similar bans were enforced during the violent unrest in May 2024 and on other symbolically significant dates, indicating a pattern of using alcohol restrictions to manage public order during periods of heightened political activity or commemoration.

A major concern is frustration amongst young people about the cost of living, about access to housing, particularly about access to jobs.

— Nic MaclellanSenior journalist Nic Maclellan detailing the economic anxieties of young people in New Caledonia.

As the election campaign intensifies, political parties are focusing on key voter concerns. Senior journalist Nic Maclellan highlighted that voters are preoccupied with the state of public services, particularly health and public transport, which have been impacted since the 2024 crisis. Frustration among young people regarding the cost of living, housing accessibility, and job opportunities is also a major issue. While the fuel crisis is less prominent than in other regions, it remains a factor, affecting key industries like tourism and nickel mining due to global energy costs.

Certainly, the cost of living is pretty stark here, and fuel has gone up. It has affected key industries like tourism.

— Nic MaclellanSenior journalist Nic Maclellan explaining the impact of rising costs on New Caledonia's economy.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RNZ Pacific. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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