Sonia Lagarde

Sonia Lagarde is the mayor of Nouméa, the capital city of New Caledonia. She was recently re-elected in the municipal elections held in March 2026, securing 61.99% of the vote. Lagarde's re-election is significant for the political landscape of Nouméa. Separately, Nouméa has recently implemented shark culling measures following a fatal shark attack in a popular tourist area. While the articles don't explicitly link Lagarde to the shark culling decision, as mayor, she likely plays a role in the city's response to the incident and the subsequent debate surrounding public safety versus marine conservation. The shark culling has sparked controversy, including a legal challenge, highlighting the tensions between protecting residents and tourists and preserving the marine environment.