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 | |
|---|---|
.PNG) | |
| President of the Government of New Caledonia | |
| In office 5 June 2014 – 1 April 2015 | |
| Preceded by | Harold Martin |
| Succeeded by | Philippe Germain |
| President of the Provincial Assembly of South Province | |
| In office 20 September 2012 – 11 May 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Pierre Frogier |
| Succeeded by | Philippe Michel |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Cynthia Parage 15 June 1962 Nouméa, New Caledonia |
| Political party | The Rally (since 2014) |
| Other political affiliations | The Rally–UMP (2004–2014) Rally for Caledonia in the Republic (2002–2004) |
Biography
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]