The situation worsened this Wednesday evening in Martinique. On the evening of the third day of the general strike, the roadblocks multiplied on the main roads of the island
In Robert, a supermarket was set on fire, firefighters told AFP, who said they only intervene in the presence of the police, after having suffered several shots during their mission.
According to our colleagues from Martinique 1ère, “The abuses are even more important than the two previous nights, with” impressive images everywhere: all the crossroads are on fire as far as Sainte-Marie, sometimes in an atmosphere where the “demonstrators” give the impression of having a good time. moment “.
#Martinique the occupation of the road is rather festive in Sainte-Marie (video RS). pic.twitter.com/17zz6ostHp
– Martiniquela1ère (@ Martiniquela1e) November 25, 2021
According to the local television channel, it is in Fort-de-France that the situation is still the most tense, “in particular in the working-class districts of Ravine Vilaine, Sainte Thérèse, Dillon, Kerlys or Chateauboeuf. “
Door open to dialogue
The authorities of Martinique on Wednesday opened the door to dialogue with the inter-union which launched the blockades on Monday on the island and plans to toughen up the tone.
“We received an invitation to a meeting Thursday morning at 10 am [15 heures à Paris] with the prefect and the president of the executive council (of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique Serge Letchimy) at the prefecture, ”Eric Bellemare, general secretary of Force Ouvrière Martinique, announced to the press on Wednesday afternoon during a press briefing.
An invitation arrived when the members of the inter-union threatened “to make other arrangements” in the face of “contempt displayed by the prefecture” had launched the union representative.
The leaders of the 17 trade unions, who have launched a call for mobilization in Martinique since Monday, had to turn to their respective bases to decide on future actions.
Balance of power
The unions have all the same warned that they do not intend to lower their guard. “If until now the State has taken small steps, it is thanks to the balance of power,” observed Gabriel Jean-Marie, secretary general of the CGTM. Dams could therefore persist.
The prefecture of Martinique had already reported “very violent events (…) in the agglomeration of Fort-de-France” on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday. “Seven police officers and five gendarmes were slightly injured but they were not hospitalized”, according to the same source.
“Five people were arrested and are still in police custody for attempted homicide and aggravated violence against persons holding public authority, damage caused by fire, carrying and possession of weapons, participation in armed groups. They have all been sentenced already, ”she added.