Macron says New Caledonia has voted to remain French in referendum

FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron, wearing a protective face mask, welcomes German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (not seen) before a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, December 10, 2021. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that New Caledonia will remain French, after a majority of voters in the French overseas territory voted against independence in a third and final referendum.

"Caledonians have chosen to remain French. They decided that freely," Macron said in a televised address.