Protests against the high cost of living began at the start of September on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, leading to significant unrest over the past six weeks.
In response, the local prefecture has signed a deal aimed at reducing soaring food prices. Jean-Christophe Bouvier, the prefect of Martinique, announced that the agreement with various groups, including importers and distributors, would result in an average price cut of 20% for 6,000 key imported products.
The protests have resulted in four fatalities due to clashes, alongside widespread incidents of looting and arson targeting shops and businesses. In light of the unrest, authorities have extended an overnight curfew until next week.
Despite the agreement to lower food prices, it has been rejected by the Rally for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC), the group leading the protests. The RPPRAC argues that food prices on the island should not exceed those in mainland France, where costs are already significantly lower.
Currently, food prices in Martinique are approximately 40% higher than in mainland France. The RPPRAC contends that the agreement should encompass 40,000 products instead of just 6,000, and demands a comprehensive reduction rather than a limited focus on 54 types of food.
Rodrigue Petitot, the leader of the RPPRAC, emphasized the group's determination to continue their fight for broader price reductions. He stated, "We'll keep fighting until we get our way."
In a communiqué following a seventh round of negotiations, the French prefect outlined five significant measures aimed at structurally reducing purchase costs, including a mandatory commitment from major distributors to lower their profit margins on products.
Approximately 80% of food consumed in Martinique is imported from mainland France, leading to exorbitant prices for basic items. For instance, a 250g packet of branded ground coffee costs about €7.80 (£6.50) in Martinique, compared to €3.50 elsewhere. Butter can reach prices as high as €8.50, and households may spend up to 17% of their income on meat alone.
The price disparity extends beyond food, with phone and internet costs also being a third higher in Martinique. Contributing factors include an outdated 9% import tax known as octroi de mer and the presence of numerous intermediaries in the supply chain.
Protests erupted on September 1, leading to roadblocks and a curfew in the capital, Fort-de-France. The situation escalated with the deployment of riot police, marking the first intervention by a mainland security force since 1959. Earlier this month, several police officers were injured during clashes, and a man was fatally shot amid looting at a shopping center.