Overseas Minister François-Noël Buffet arrived late Monday in Fort-de-France in Martinique, the epicenter for more than two months of demands against the cost of living in the Overseas Territories.
Mr. Buffet described “constructive” his first discussions with Serge Letchimy, president of the executive council of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique, which according to him took place in “an excellent state of mind”he commented.
Serge Letchimy, for his part, mentioned “a very firm discussion”believing that “the ministry is aware of the seriousness of the situation”.
“He confirmed the implementation of a programming orientation law which will allow us to build something lasting on price control, avoiding oligopolies, monopolies, excess profits”indicated the head of the Martinique executive.
Rodrigue Petitot, figure of the movement against the high cost of living in Martinique and president of the Rally for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources, entered the prefectural residence in the upscale Didier district on Monday, a prefectural source confirmed to the ‘AFP.
The scene which was filmed on social networks shows a tense face to face between the president of the RPPRAC and the prefect of Martinique Jean-Christophe Bouvier.
Escorted by the police, Rodrigue Petitot left the prefect’s home without being able to meet François-Noël Buffet who was receiving elected officials from Martinique.
A group of 70 sympathizers subsequently occupied the street in front of the prefect’s house until at least 10:30 p.m. local time (2:30 a.m. GM), an AFP journalist noted.
Returning to Martinique on Sunday, Rodrigue Petitot announced his firm intention to meet François-Noël Buffet.
“Having learned of your upcoming presence on our territories from November 11, 2024, we have decided to shorten our stay in Paris to be present and available upon your arrival”he wrote in a press release before insisting: “you have a duty to receive us”.
Mr. Petitot was in Paris for the demonstration against the high cost of living in Paris on November 3 which brought together several thousand people.
No meeting with the leaders of the association is currently planned on the minister’s agenda.
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