"I have pledged that this reform will not pass today in the current context," Macron then said. "We will allow some weeks to allow a calming of tensions and resumption of dialogue to find a broad accord" among all parties. He said he would revisit the referendum in a month.

Macron later visited a New Caledonia central police station where he thanked officers for tackling "an absolutely unprecedented insurrection movement.”

“No one saw it coming with this level of organization and violence,” he said. “You did your duty. And I thank you.”