BASSE-TERRE, Guadeloupe – FRENCH President Nicholas Sarkozy has ordered his government to review its policy towards its overseas territories.
According to BBC Caribbean, the demand marks Sarkozy first public reaction to the 24-day strike that has paralysed Guadeloupe and spread to neighbouring Martinique.
The French President called for better distribution of riches to fix what he deemed the “social sickness” that has afflicted the two islands, where protesters have undertaken industrial action to protest against the rising cost of living.
The strike has resulted in the closure of most of the country’s shops while public transport and state services have also been affected.
The LKP, which is the collection of striking unions, parties and associations, abruptly broke off negotiations in Guadeloupe yesterday (Feb. 12).
Six LPK negotiators announced that they would not continue the discussion until the state co-signed an elaborate preliminary agreement with employers.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Yves Jego returned to Guadeloupe on Wednesday (Feb. 11) but left on the following day to address the escalating protests in Martinique.
Upon his arrival on Wednesday, Jego announced that the state would begin to mobilise nearly 190 million Euros for the implementation of all the points agreed to in the negotiations he had participated in before his departure from the island last weekend.
Guadeloupe News