New Caledonia protesters, police spar ahead of Macron visit

A damaged building is seen amid riots against plans to allow more people to take part in local elections in the French-ruled territory, which indigenous Kanak protesters reject, in Noumea, New Caledonia May 16, 2024 in this screengrab obtained from video. Yoan Fleurot/via REUTERS/ File Photo

SYDNEY/PARIS (Reuters) -Protesters in New Caledonia erected new barricades overnight in "cat-and-mouse" games with French police reinforcements ahead of the arrival of President Emmanuel Macron, after the worst riots on the French-ruled Pacific island in 40 years.

Macron was due to land in the French overseas territory early on Thursday for talks after government electoral reforms passed last week sparked violence that has killed six people and left a trail of looted shops and torched cars.