JANUARY 15, 2025 — The French Ministry of Sports has clarified that the tricolore is the sole flag to be used for international sports competitions involving New Caledonia, following a query by Deputy Nicolas Metzdorf, reports Radio1 Tahiti.
This decision underscores ongoing debates over the use of the pro-independence Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (Front de libération nationale kanak et socialiste, FLNKS) flag in representing the territory on the global stage.
On October 22, Nicolas Metzdorf, deputy of the first constituency, raised concerns over the increasing use of the FLNKS flag by New Caledonian sports teams in international competitions.
In response, the Ministry of Sports confirmed on December 10 that only the French tricolore should be utilized in these contexts, citing the absence of a consensus on a common flag that represents the diversity of New Caledonia’s population.
Metzdorf, while supporting the participation of New Caledonian athletes in international events, emphasized the importance of respecting territorial symbols.
He criticized the FLNKS flag, highlighting that it is not recognized by New Caledonian institutions as a unifying symbol for all inhabitants. The deputy has previously contested the flag’s inclusion in official contexts, such as its appearance on the Caledonian driving license, which was ordered removed by the administrative tribunal.
According to additional reporting by La Voix du Caillou, the Ministry also addressed the usage of the “Cagou” flag, designed by the Territorial Olympic and Sports Committee (CTOS), particularly during the Pacific Games.
While acknowledging its legitimacy in this specific context, the Ministry stated that the Cagou flag cannot represent New Caledonia in international federations for other sports competitions.
Metzdorf welcomed the Ministry’s stance as a political victory, reiterating his commitment to establishing common symbols that reflect all New Caledonians.
Image: BeenAroundAWhile, CC BY 3.0