What place should local actors and the State occupy in the process of ending the crisis and, at the same time, in the definition of another functioning of Martinique society? A hot topic on the eve of a recession phase.
Due to the persistence of the societal crisis which has affected Martinique for almost three months, a phase of recession is expected during the first quarter of next year.
The most visible signs are: the persistence of an interminable open conflict with no solution to emerge from it on top and with dignity for all the actors concerned; a wait-and-see attitude among the population regarding the application of the protocol of October 16, 2024 on the cost of living; a certain political uncertainty linked to the fragility of the government, which could call into question the philosophy of this document.
In addition, consumption has declined in supermarkets in recent weeks. It remains to be seen whether this will be the case during the month of December, the most important month in terms of turnover for mass distribution. Finally, private investments are deferred while waiting for better days to buy real estate, for example. And then, the gloom and annoyance are palpable in the face of this slump.
This crisis seems like the perfect time to really challenge the framework in which we live, in which many of us survive. Will we have the audacity and ambition? How will the political, trade union, economic and intellectual elite contribute to shaping a new society?
It is also important to clarify the role of the State in relaunching our economy and restoring mutual trust. It seems obvious that the central executive power can fully participate in this renewal that everyone is calling for. And this is because the State has always guided, driven or decided the framework in which Martinique has lived since its origins.
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©CTM (Territorial Collectivity of Martinique)
Very opportunely, the prefect provided some details on this subject. It was in our television show “Politik Péyi” on November 20, 2024. Jean-Christophe Bouvier was very clear: “It is first and foremost up to the people of Martinique and them alone to define the development project in which they want to be involved.”
Does this mean that the State will remain inert? Response from the prefect: “In a way, the project before the budget (…) Let the actors, the elites, the citizens participate in defining a collective project and afterwards, the State will mobilize its regulatory, legislative and budgetary resources to support the implementation of this project”.
This project could be contained in a programming and orientation law desired by the president of the executive council of the Territorial Collectivity (CTM). Serge Letchimy demanded from the government a text to be debated in Parliament.
Its objective is economic renewal. He estimates the amount of the envelope to be devoted to this “Martinique law” at 100 million euros. More than ever, the cards in the game of our future are in the hands of the people of Martinique.
