VIDEO. “Who do you think you are talking to”: violent altercation between the prefect of Martinique and the leader of the movement against the high cost of living

The images made the rounds on social networks. A violent altercation broke out on Monday, November 11, between the prefect of Martinique, Jean-Christophe Bouvier, and the president of the Rally for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC), Rodrigue Petitot. This lively exchange took place Monday evening in the premises of the prefectural residence located in Fort-de-France. According to Martinique la 1ère, (local franceinfo channel), the members of the RPPRAC, at the origin of the demonstrations against the high cost of living, wanted to speak with the Minister of Overseas Territories, François-Noël Buffet, on an official visit to the 'island. They went to the prefectural residence to request an appointment.

The events of the evening were broadcast live, the images of which have since been widely relayed on social networks. On these, we can observe the prefect on the steps of the residence discussing with members of the RPPRAC. “We came to see the minister,” said Rodrigue Petitot. “You will not see him this evening. Make a request. I have not received any request for an appointment,” the prefect then responds. This is where the tone rises between the two men.

Escorted by the police

“You speak to me differently please. Who do you think you are talking to?” exclaims Jean-Christophe Bouvier. Rodrigue Petitot then loses his temper, telling the two men on the steps not to touch him. He is finally seized by several police officers. The police escorted the members of the RPPRAC towards the exit, reports Martinique la 1ère.

Since September, Martinique has been affected by a movement against the high cost of living which has given rise to violence, mainly at night. Partial curfews were put in place by the prefect in September then in October before finally being definitively lifted at the beginning of November.

Also read:
Riots in Martinique: why are the prices of food products 40% more expensive there than in mainland France?

The negotiations resulting from the mobilization, bringing together local elected officials, state services, economic players and activists, resulted in an agreement to lower the prices of around 6,000 food products by “20% on average” but the movement the originator of the mobilization refused to sign it, considering the number of products concerned insufficient.