Voters in Martinique, French Guiana Reject Efforts to Reduce French Control

[ad_1]

Those supporting greater autonomy for France's overseas departments of Martinique and French Guiana are voicing disappointment after voters rejected the drive in referendums.

Voters in Martinique and French Guiana resoundingly rejected efforts to reduce French control of the two overseas departments. Results from Sunday's referendums showed that nearly 79 percent of Martinique residents and almost 70 percent of those in French Guiana voted against greater autonomy.

In a statement, French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed the outcome, saying it reflected the strong ties between the territories and metropolitan France. Both Martinique, in the Caribbean, and South America's French Guiana were granted French department status, when Paris relinquished total control more than half a century ago.

Champions of greater autonomy have argued it would allow the territories greater say in key issues like development, education and employment. And some - like politician Alfred Marie-Jeanne, a leader of Martinique's independence movement -- voiced deep disappointment at the results.

In remarks broadcast on French radio, Marie-Jeanne said the loser of the referendum was Martinique -- and that the vote reflected people's fears, not their aspirations.

But others, like Chantal Meignan, a senior member of Mr. Sarkozy's ruling UMP party in Martinique, said the vote marked a victory for the population.

Meignan told French radio the Martinique residents had other concerns than wanting more autonomy. She says the next step is to simplify administration procedures for the territories. Voters in both departments will vote on that measure in separate referendums, later this month.

The referendums come a year after Martinique and another overseas French territory, Reunion, were rocked by violent protests and strikes caused by low wages and high prices. Unemployment in France's overseas territories is generally far higher than in mainland France. Reports show food and fuel are also more expensive - despite government efforts to cut prices.

[ad_1]

Source link : https://www.voanews.com/amp/voters-in-martinique-french-guiana-reject-efforts-to-reduce-french-control-81132867/111376.html Author : Publish date : 2010-01-10 03:00:00 Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source .

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30

Voters in Martinique, French Guiana Reject Efforts to Reduce French Control

How to Get to and Around Greenland

Minor mag. 1.9 earthquake – 20 km southeast of San Miguel, San Miguel, El Salvador, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 07 … – VolcanoDiscovery

Minor mag. 1.9 earthquake - 20 km southeast of San Miguel, San Miguel, El Salvador, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 07 ... - VolcanoDiscovery

2 Colorado Destinations Among America’s ‘Best Places To Visit’ In 2025 – iHeartRadio

Protecting America’s Bank Account Against Fraud, Waste, and Abuse – The White House

Prohibiting Indefinite Reelection, a Milestone in Inter-American Law – Confidencial

On this day, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed – National Constitution Center

SOUTHCOM Commander Meets with Guatemalan Leaders, Central American Security Chiefs in Guatemala – Dialogo-Americas.com

World Leaders Adopt Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States, as International Conference Concludes – The America Times

China Defends its Involvement in Antigua after Newsweek Article – Newsweek

Chairman Smith Leads House Delegation to Argentina, Paraguay, and Chile – Ways and Means Committee

Top 10 Facts About Living Conditions in Montserrat – The Borgen Project

T20 World Cup 2024: ENG’s Jordan delights Barbados with hattrick against US – Business Standard

Categories

Archives