Cynthia Ligeard (née Parage; born 15 June 1962) is a New Caledonian anti-independence politician. She was the second woman to serve as President of the Government of New Caledonia, a position she held from 5 June 2014 until 1 April 2015.[1] (Marie-Noëlle Thémereau was the first female President of New Caledonia from 2004 to 2007).[1]

Cynthia Ligeard
President of the Government of New Caledonia
In office
5 June 2014 – 1 April 2015
Preceded byHarold Martin
Succeeded byPhilippe Germain
President of the Provincial Assembly of South Province
In office
20 September 2012 – 11 May 2014
Preceded byPierre Frogier
Succeeded byPhilippe Michel
Personal details
Born
Cynthia Parage

(1962-06-15) 15 June 1962 (age 61)
Nouméa, New Caledonia
Political partyThe Rally (since 2014)
Other political
affiliations
The Rally–UMP (2004–2014)
Rally for Caledonia in the Republic (2002–2004)

Biography edit

Ligeard was born Cynthia Parage in Nouméa, New Caledonia, on 15 June 1962. She is a caldoche, or New Caledonian of French descent.[1]

The 2014 New Caledonian legislative election were held on 11 May 2014. Cynthia Ligeard was elected President of the Government of New Caledonia by Congress on 5 June 2014.[2] She headed a coalition of anti-independence New Caledonian political parties in Congress.[1] However, Ligeard's government lasted just six months before its collapse in December 2014 due to a dispute between the anti-independence coalition parties over finances and fiscal issues.[1][3] Philippe Germain of Caledonia Together succeeded her as president on 1 April 2015.[3]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e Baker, Kerryn (July 2016). "The Highest Glass Ceiling — Women, Politics and Executive Power in the Pacific" (PDF). State, Society and Governance in Melanesia at Australian National University. Archived from the original on 3 December 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  2. ^ "Installation des Institutions. Dernier acte : le gouvernement". Government of New Caledonia. 5 June 2014. Archived from the original on 23 March 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Germain becomes New Caledonia president". Radio New Zealand International. 2 April 2015. Archived from the original on 6 November 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2019.