29 May 2019

Henin quits New Caledonia's National Rally

8:14 pm on 29 May 2019

The secretary of New Caledonia's chapter of France's hard-right-wing National Rally has resigned just days after the party's success in the European parliamentary election.

France's right-wing National Rally party candidate, Alain Descombels (Left) "we do not want an associated state, nor of partnership, we want to remain French, and for us, it is priority."

Alain Descombels (left) and Bianca Henin Photo: France Info: Cédrick Wakahugnème (CM)

Bianca Henin, who had been a member of New Caledonia's Congress for a decade from the 1990s, said she believes the movement will progress without her.

The party failed to win any Congress seats in the last two provincial elections but came top in last weekend's European elections and its leader Marine Le Pen was the preferred presidential candidate in the Noumea area two years ago.

Ms Henin said people who joined the party after earlier demonising it will bring their ideas.

Her remark refers to businessman Alain Descombels who led the party into this month's election.

Ms Henin's departure follows only weeks after her deputy's resignation.

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