Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
New Caledonia’s newly formed government has chosen pro-France Alcide Ponga as its President. At 49 years old, Ponga is the first indigenous Kanak leader of the pro-France Le Rassemblement-Les Républicains (LR) party.
His election followed an unsuccessful initial attempt on Tuesday to select a President due to a lack of majority support within the 11-member cabinet. On Wednesday, during a session organized by the French High Commission, Ponga garnered backing from six of the 11 cabinet members. This support included all four members from his caucus (Les Loyalistes-Rassemblement) and key votes from moderate pro-France representatives Jérémie Katidjo-Monnier of Calédonie Ensemble and Petelo Sao from Eveil Océanien. Samuel Hnepeune, the candidate backed by the pro-independence faction, received three votes from the Union Calédonienne (UC)-FLNKS. Meanwhile, two government members from the more moderate pro-independence Union National pour l’Indépendance (UNI) opted to abstain.
The new government still needs to address two important tasks: electing a vice-president and distributing ministerial portfolios. According to the “collegial” cabinet principle, the vice-presidency should go to the pro-independence camp. However, the two main pro-independence groups, UNI and UC, indicated they require more time to agree on a unified candidate. New Caledonia’s organic law stipulates that even if the vice-presidential role is not filled, the government will be fully operational within a week of its formation.
About Alcide Ponga:
Alcide Ponga comes from a traditionally pro-France indigenous Kanak background, with family members historically positioned in New Caledonia’s political landscape under the prominent pro-France Rassemblement pour la République (RPCR), led by notable figure Jacques Lafleur. His family includes his uncle Maurice Ponga, who served as an MP in the European Parliament.
With a Master’s degree in Political Science, Alcide Ponga entered politics in 2013. Since 2014, he has been the Mayor of Kouaoua, a nickel-mining town where he was born. He took over as president of the Rassemblement-LR party in April 2024 and ran in the French snap general elections in June 2024 but lost to pro-independence candidate Emmanuel Tjibaou.
In the private sector, he has held significant roles in the nickel mining industry, including positions at the Koniambo Nickel (KNS) company and the French Société Le Nickel (SLN).
New Caledonia’s 18th government was elected on Tuesday by the territory’s Congress. The new 11-member cabinet consists of:
- 4 from the Loyalistes/Rassemblement (LR) caucus: Alcide Ponga, Isabelle Champmoreau, Christopher Gygès, and Thierry Santa
- 3 from the Union Calédonienne-FLNKS caucus: Gilbert Tyuienon, Mickaël Forrest, and Samuel Hnepeune
- 2 from the Union Nationale pour l’Indépendance (UNI) caucus: Adolphe Digoué and Claude Gambey
- 2 from the Calédonie Ensemble/Éveil Océanien caucus: Jérémie Katidjo-Monnier and Petelo Sao
Ponga succeeds pro-independence leader Louis Mapou, whose administration ended shortly before Christmas. During Mapou’s term (July 2021 – December 2024), he faced numerous challenges, including the Covid crisis, a significant downturn in New Caledonia’s nickel industry, and insurrectional riots that began on May 13, 2024, leading to extensive social and economic repercussions, with damages estimated at €2.2 billion and thousands of jobs lost.
After his election, Ponga expressed a commitment to fostering cooperation between New Caledonia’s Congress and his government.
