Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

USTKE union to launch New Caledonia’s newest political party

Posted at 01:03 on 16 November, 2007 UTC

New Caledonia’ mainly Kanak USTKE union will officially launch a political party this weekend.

The union’s leader, Gerard Jodar, says there is a need for the workers’ voice to be heard in the face of what he calls the incredible inequality in the distribution of the territory’s wealth.

Mr Jodar says the pro-independence FLNKS movement has become institutionalised and no longer fulfills its role as an opposition.

He says for the USTKE union and party it is not vital what the outcome of the referendum on possible independence from France will be but on what basis the country is to be built.

At the inaugural congress this weekend, the party’s name will be unveiled.

The new party plans to contest the municipal elections in March.