An agreement aimed at reducing the cost of food products in Martinique was signed by the State and various economic actors this Wednesday, October 16, 2024, after more than a month of social mobilization against the high cost of living. This agreement provides for a reduction of “20% on average” in the prices of 54 families of essential food products. However, the collective Rally for the Protection of Afro-Caribbean Peoples and Resources (RPPRAC), at the origin of the demonstrations that began on September 1, refused to sign the protocol, considering that this measure is insufficient.
A protocol limited to essential products
The prefect of Martinique, Jean-Christophe Bouvier, announced the agreement after the seventh round of negotiations in Fort-de-France, involving distributors (hypermarkets, supermarkets), parliamentarians, economic representatives, and other local stakeholders . This “protocol of objectives and means” aims to combat the high cost of living in a region where food prices are 40% higher than in France. The price reduction will concern a list of 54 families of essential products, with the aim of making life more affordable for Martinicans.
To achieve this reduction, the agreement includes structural measures on the purchasing and delivery costs of 6,000 imported products, as well as a commitment by large distributors to reduce their margins. The objective is to make this decline sustainable, while ensuring the economic survival of small local businesses.
The anger of the RPPRAC: “All food” must be concerned
The RPPRAC, led by Rodrigue Petitot, denounced this agreement, saying that it does not provide a global solution to the price crisis. The collective is demanding a reduction in prices for “all food”, and not for only part of the products. Petitot expressed his determination to continue the movement until greater concessions were made. The RPPRAC also requests the visit of the Minister of Overseas Territories to Martinique to directly discuss the demands.
Despite the signing of the agreement, tension remains high on the island, where road blockages and filter dams persist. The authorities extended the nighttime curfew until October 21 to try to contain the outbreak of violence observed in recent weeks, such as looting and fires.
An uncertain exit from the crisis
Uncertainty persists regarding a rapid outcome to this crisis. According to Marcellin Nadeau, MP for the North of the island, as long as the RPPRAC has not signed, the situation will remain fragile. Although the agreement represents a step forward for some parties, popular discontent and continued protests indicate that Martinique remains in the grip of a deep social crisis.
The future of the discussions will likely depend on the authorities’ ability to meet the demands of the RPPRAC and find a compromise satisfactory for all stakeholders involved.
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