New Caledonia: Centrist Milakulo Tukumuli takes over the presidency of the government

The presidency of the government of New Caledonia has been awarded to Milakulo Tukumuli, leader of L'Éveil océanien. His appointment to head the executive branch confirms the central role acquired by this centrist party, which has become essential in dividing the pro-independence and pro-loyalist blocs after the provincial elections in June.

The pro-independence parties won 26 of the 54 seats in Congress, compared to 24 for the non-independence alliance, Les Loyalists-Le Rassemblement. With only four elected members, L'Éveil océanien found itself in the position of kingmaker. Its rapprochement with the loyalists had already enabled Virginie Ruffenach to be elected president of Congress by a vote of 28 to 26.

A minority party that has become indispensable

The nomination of Milakulo Tukumuli illustrates the considerable political weight that a small party can wield in an assembly without a majority. The Oceanian Awakening, which notably represents a portion of the Wallisian and Futunan community, seeks to transcend the historical confrontation between supporters of independence and those who advocate remaining part of France.

The new president will, however, have to lead an executive branch divided by deeply opposing positions. Reconstruction after the 2024 violence, the nickel crisis, public finances, and the archipelago's institutional future are all urgent issues. His ability to maintain the compromise that brought him to power will determine whether this centrist victory ushers in a period of stability or merely a new phase of fragile negotiations.