Martinique has been rocked by protests over the high cost of living, with demonstrators storming the airport in Fort-de-France and causing its closure. The unrest, which began in September, has led to curfews, bans on public gatherings, and even the deployment of riot police by the French government.
Protesters are demanding that food prices in Martinique be aligned with those in mainland France, where they are significantly lower. The situation has escalated, with violent clashes resulting in injuries to both police officers and civilians, as well as looting and arson attacks across the island.
Local authorities are struggling to maintain control, with calls for calm from French Overseas Minister François-Noël Buffet. The protests, led by the Assembly for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources, reflect long-standing grievances about the high cost of living in France’s overseas territories.
As the situation remains tense, residents of Martinique are hoping for a resolution that addresses their economic hardship and ensures a more equitable standard of living.
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