SYDNEY/PARIS –
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that police reinforcements in New Caledonia would remain as long as necessary as he arrived on the French-ruled Pacific island in a bid to end deadly riots sparked by a controversial electoral reform.
Six people have been killed in riots that have left a trail of looted shops and torched cars and businesses since they began more than a week ago. The French government has sent hundreds of extra police officers to get things back under control.
With the island under a state of emergency, Macron said the additional security of a total of 3,000 troops would remain in place, even during the Paris Olympics if necessary.
