18 Dec 2017

Use of Kanaky queried by French National Assembly member

8:41 am on 18 December 2017

A New Caledonian member of the French National Assembly has taken exception to another member using the name Kanaky in an Assembly debate.

Philippe Gomes

Philippe Gomes Photo: AFP

Philippe Gomes reacted to the Left's Jean-Luc Melenchon who raised school funding issues in New Caledonia Kanaky.

Mr Gomes reminded him that the official name of the territory New Caledonia is enshrined in the constitution and could only be changed if three fifth of New Caledonia's Congress agrees to do so.

Mr Melenchon said he uses the names that suit all fellow citizens, calling it also French New Caledonia.

Indigenous groups and pro-independence advocates regularly use the term Kanaky or Kanaky New Caledonia.