Negotiations at the CTM (territorial collectivity of Martinique) between the State, the distributors, and the RPPRAC, stopped without the signing of an agreement last Friday. However, 24 out of 26 points were validated.
The prefect, Jean-Christophe Bouvier, said he was disappointed that the agreement had still not been validated.
More than disappointed, I think we must be aware that we now have in our hands a protocol which is ready to be signed. We will perhaps return to the points of disagreement. This protocol provides for a substantial drop in prices, between 15 and 20% on more than 6,000 products which represent 27% of food products imported into Martinique. This protocol is the result of hard work by the Martinican parties. It is the people of Martinique themselves who are proposing and who are ready to get involved. I believe that we must clearly see that signing this document would allow us to move on, not to stop the fight against the high cost of living, but to take advantage of what it establishes to go even further with the authorities. competent.
Two blocking points
Two points therefore continue to block. And in particular the price reference point. Because “mainland” prices can vary from one area to another.
We will say that the prices sold in Martinique on identical products should not be 15 to 25% more expensive than those found in France. Here again, the whole question will be how mass distribution will integrate this price drop which, for certain products, for reasons that are still very complex to explain this morning, have price differences much higher than 40%. So, reducing the differential by up to 25% means an effort on the part of distributors who cannot, as it stands, support it.
The prefect was also questioned about his attitude which was particularly singled out by members of the RPPRAC.
Everyone has bodily behaviors that can be shocking, but there is a step from making it a cause of revolt or violence. We can criticize bodily behavior, I understand, but we respect each other, but from there to making a call to kidnap me there is perhaps a margin.
Finally, note that the curfew could be extended, for the moment, no date has been set.
TO LISTEN The entire interview with Jean-Christophe Bouvier, by Cédric Catan
