Martinique rocked by protests over cost of living
The international airport on the Caribbean island of Martinique has been forced to close due to unrest over the cost of living in the French territory, leaving passengers stranded.
On Thursday, dozens of protesters stormed the runway at the capital Fort-de-France’s airport, prompting its closure. The flight was redirected to nearby Guadeloupe, also a French territory. The airport reopened on Friday.
A curfew is in place until at least Monday following a wave of violent protests.
Authorities banned public gatherings and the purchase of items that could be used in arson.
Protests began in September demanding that local food prices be brought into line with prices in mainland France, which are 40% cheaper. During the riot, one demonstrator was shot and killed and 26 police officers were injured.
A curfew has since been introduced on the island, and the French government sent in riot police in late September after protesters ignored a ban on public gatherings.
Unrest reignited on Monday as police tried to remove roadblocks, AFP reported.
Burning barricades have been erected, businesses looted and vehicles torched in many parts of the island in recent days.
AFP
Department store burnt down due to riots
One of the 26 injured officers had a gunshot wound, AFP news agency said. A man died in hospital from similar injuries Thursday after a night of violence. An investigation has been launched into his death.
The local government said police did not fire any shots.
French Foreign Minister François-Noël Buffet condemned the violence and called for “responsibility and calm.”
clement lannot
Firefighters had been working on the burning barricade since early morning, AFP reported.
Residents of France’s overseas territories have long complained about the high cost of living.
The protests in Martinique were started by the Afro-Caribbean Peoples and the Resources Defense Council, who say food prices should be the same as in mainland France.
On Tuesday, Didier Laguerre, the mayor of Fort-de-France, acknowledged the suffering of the people of Martinique, a territory of 350,000 people, saying he “understands the suffering and anger.”
