France: Violent protests continue in Martinique over high cost of living

Violent demonstrations are ongoing in Martinique as residents protest against the high cost of living. Many stores were looted overnight as protests show no signs of abating, despite a curfew imposed on the French Caribbean island.

Local authorities reported that two gas stations were looted, with vandalism and theft reported at businesses within a shopping center. Recent unrest has also spread to other French overseas territories, such as Guadeloupe and New Caledonia, where residents are expressing that their standard of living is significantly lower than that in mainland France.

On Tuesday night, gunfire from automatic weapons targeted police and firefighters in Martinique, according to regional authorities. “Armed masked individuals attempted to spread chaos in Martinique,” the authorities reported. Unknown assailants also robbed a motorist and set his vehicle on fire.

The authorities also reported the establishment of “seven barricades,” some of which were ablaze, across four communities on the island, including Fort-de-France. “Many criminals threw Molotov cocktails and other objects at the police,” they added.

The nighttime curfew, first imposed on October 10, was extended on Monday until the 28th of the month.

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