A new minister in New Caledonia Christopher Gyges has explained his repeated refusal to elect a fellow anti-independence politician Philippe Germain as president.
Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
Mr Gyges said if Mr Germain wanted to lead the collegial government there had to be an ability for discussion.
But he said the group that included Mr Germain refused to engage with the Caledonian Republicans.
Mr Germain has failed three times to be elected since the new government was formed in August.
This means the election process is incomplete and the old government continues in office as a caretaker administration.
