The night of Tuesday to Wednesday, October 16 “I was agitated” in Martinique, scene of a mobilization against the high cost of living, “with new vehicle fires”the prefecture announced in a press release, while authorities reported a return to calm in recent days.
Fifteen vehicles were set on fire “in two parking lots in Lamentin and Ducos”two municipalities located on the outskirts of Fort-de-France. Still in Ducos, “A fire in a fruit shed was quickly contained”depending on the prefecture.
After this renewed tension, “The cleaning teams are fully mobilized to restore safety on the roads”continues, emphasizing that “All blocking points have been removed”.
Since the beginning of September, the Caribbean island, which has 350,000 inhabitants, has been in the middle of a social mobilization that has degenerated into urban violence against the price of food products, 40% more expensive than in France.
Seventh round table
After a first partial curfew from September 18 to 26, the prefect decreed on Thursday a new ban on night travel, which was extended on Monday until October 21.
On Wednesday, a seventh round table was opened between the State and local actors (activists, large retailers, elected officials), initially scheduled for Tuesday, to discuss the cost of living on the island.
“From 28 points, we have advanced to 26. There are two crucial points to address: the differential [de prix de l’alimentaire entre la Martinique et la France hexagonale] and the scope of the quantity of products » in question, announced the president of the executive council of Martinique, Serge Letchimy, at the opening of the meeting. The elected official contributed to the debates “new proposal” which allows, according to him, “for a basket of products whose average price differential with France is 40%, reduce the differential to 12%”.
