Veylma Falaeo Elected as New Caledonia's First Female Congress President

New Caledonia's Congress has elected Veylma Falaeo of the Ocean Awakening party as its new president, replacing Roch Wamytan. Falaeo, supported by anti-independence parties, pledges reforms for consensus. Wamytan, an indigenous Kanak and pro-independence advocate, criticized France's handling of civil unrest and the independence movement.

In a historic move, New Caledonia's Congress has elected Veylma Falaeo, the first woman to lead the legislative body. Falaeo, a member of the Ocean Awakening party, narrowly defeated incumbent Roch Wamytan, a pro-independence figure.

Falaeo, whose candidacy was supported by anti-independence parties, vowed to implement reforms that favor consensus among the territory's diverse political factions. Her election marks a significant shift in New Caledonia's political landscape, particularly given her party's stance outside traditional blocs.

Former President Wamytan, the first Kanak to hold the position and a senior member of the FLNKS party, criticized France's handling of voting reforms and the independence movement. His tenure was marked by tensions over the reforms, which Kanaks fear could undermine their aspirations for self-determination.

(With inputs from agencies.)