French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged that his government is “indebted” to French Polynesia for nuclear tests France conducted on the islands from 1966 to 1996.
There has been no formal apology. Macron is on a four-day state visit to the Pacific archipelago. It belongs to France but does have self-government in several areas.
“I want truth and transparency,” the president said in a speech to French Polynesian authorities. He also said there should be better compensation for victims of the French nuclear weapons tests. Earlier in the day, he had already told protesters that there will be greater transparency about the issue and that he is “committed” to arranging compensation.
More than 100,000 inhabitants of the archipelago were exposed to radioactive radiation during the nuclear tests. After the tests, many people on the islands were affected by various forms of cancer. A local association of victims of the nuclear tests expected Macron’s apologies, as well as compensation schemes. So far, 63 residents have received compensation from the French government.
With the visit to French Polynesia, President Macron also wants to pay attention to the islands’ strategic position, including concerning China and the fight against the coronavirus. Macron previously called on all residents to be vaccinated.
