measures against the high cost of living in Martinique raise many questions

The Overseas Minister is completing a four-day visit to Martinique to try to put an end to the movement against the high cost of living that began at the beginning of September. A “protocol of objectives and means against the high cost of living” must begin on January 1, 2025, but its implementation raises questions.

A journey to put out the flames. From the four-day visit of the Minister of Overseas Territories, François-Noël Buffet, Martinicans will remember one announcement: the 20% drop on January 1 on the more than 6,000 products most consumed on the island. A system supported by exemption from VAT and dock dues on these targeted products, as well as compensation for the famous “approach costs”. In short, shipping and customs costs. The State puts six million euros on the table.

This system, tested until 2027, affirms the Minister of Overseas Territories, will have concrete results on this basket of products. To those who fear an immediate increase in prices on all other products with margins made by large local distribution groups. François-Noël Buffet responds with “more control” : “There are control systems that exist, organizations that will allow us to carry out these controls. They have already started working on current prices to avoid an inflation effect. There are design offices that have been seized, reports which will be submitted to build a system that lasts.”

The four family groups (GBH, CréO, the Perfect group and SAFO) which hold 80% of the Martinique food distribution market are accused of not playing the game of transparency. “Despite the law, they do not submit their accounts”remarks Francette Florimond who has been analyzing the economic fabric of the island for decades. “The State does not have the means of control”she said. “You say that you carry out checks, but with whom, by whom and how?she asks. So much so that the community, where it is not its role, has said that it will finance controllers and help the State. And as for the observatories of margins, prices and income, they have a budget of 15,000 euros per year. What do you do with that? ?”

Eddie Marajo doesn't believe in freezing the margins of local major retailers. For this other analyst of the economy in Martinique, the food question is only the tip of the iceberg. Automobile spare parts, construction, telecoms… According to him, the real players in the cost of living were not in the spotlight during the minister's four days. “We should have consulted these people. Oh well no, we are focusing on food distribution. Food distribution represents 15% of the household basket. What is the 85%? a moment ago, we have to stop taking ourselves for idiots”denounces Eddie Marajo.

Symbol of this lasting exasperation: the arrest on Monday of the leader of the high cost of living movement who asked to meet the minister. His arrest sparked a new outbreak of violence. Three mobile gendarmes were injured.