Martinique

Sarkozy proposes referendum on greater autonomy

Article published on the 2009-06-26 Latest update 2009-06-26 16:05 TU

France's President Nicolas Sarkozy at the war memorial in Fort-de-France, Martinique, 25 June 2009
(Photo: Reuters)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy suggested in Martinique on Friday that the island's residents be polled to determine whether they wish greater autonomy from metropolitan France. Later in the day, he travelled to the nearby island of Guadeloupe. Both Martinique and Guadeloupe were the scenes of general strikes and civil unrest earlier this year.

The islanders were protesting the prices of basic commodities and demanded increases in basic salaries. The strikes exposed racial divisions between the African and mixed race residents, and those of the white, ethnically French minority.

Sarkozy, however, on Friday ruled out independence for Martinique, a French overseas department.

"The debate... is not about independence," he said in a speech, but rather, "a fair level of autonomy."

"The people of Martinique are free to choose in their soul and conscience which road they would like to take," Sarkozy added.

Sarkozy said he disapproved of the status quo and promised to improve the economic situation in Martinique and Guadeloupe.