Tensions in New Caledonia, which have stretched on, have now moved to Martinique. Since last September, the island has been living through one of its most tense moments as protests against President Emmanuel Macron rise in response to the climbing prices of basic goods, prices that remain markedly higher than those on the French mainland.
The group known as the Association for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources began a wave of demonstrations demanding price parity with Paris, arguing that Paris prices are about 40 percent lower than what residents pay in the overseas territory. They label poverty on the island as unacceptable and point to tangible differences, like a tray of four pears costing around 2.5 euros in Paris, while the same quantity on the island can exceed 8.5 euros.
From the outset of the protests, violence has escalated as the government has appeared slow to respond, leading to clashes between police and residents. Authorities report at least one fatality, several gunshot injuries, and nearly 20 detentions. The focal point has been near the airport, which has emerged as the epicenter of this surge of unrest.
In response to growing anger and fears of a broader breakdown, the Martinique prefecture announced a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., restricting travel and demonstrations. The measure aims to curb the mounting urban violence of recent days. Schools were also set to close for Friday, according to the island’s rectorate.
While local authorities reject the violence seen in recent weeks, they support peaceful demonstrations taking place in different parts of the territory. They urge the French government to take urgent steps, noting that the sheer level of poverty is driving anger. Beatrice Bellay, a socialist deputy in Martinique, stressed that while violence is wrong, it is understandable given the scale of hardship facing residents.
A New Round of Negotiations
Online videos circulating on social media show barricades on major roads and buildings set ablaze around Fort-de-France. The clashes have left four gendarmes lightly injured, and protesters have cited police violence in the context of the protests. The anti-cost of living movement plans to meet with authorities this Friday for a roundtable aimed at negotiating an agreement with measures that would improve daily conditions for Martiniquais. This will be the sixth time that officials have sat down to seek a resolution, with limited progress reported in previous sessions.
The authorities have committed to removing the import tax on essential goods for three years, a move that would affect more than 6,000 basic items such as diapers, canned foods, and pasta. Still, experts caution that this measure will not completely overturn the situation. The island is heavily controlled by monopolies in the distribution of essential goods, and tackling prices will require more aggressive policies to curb markup and ensure fair access to staples.
Currently, Martinique ranks among France’s poorer departments, with about 27 percent of its population living below the poverty line. The stress of high prices, limited competition, and constrained livelihoods continues to shape the daily reality for many residents, intensifying social and political pressure across the island.