Unrest Erupts on Martinique Amid Living Cost Protests

Protests over rising living costs continue on Martinique, with demonstrators setting cars ablaze and attacking police. The unrest, ongoing since September, reflects broader discontent across French overseas territories where living standards lag behind mainland France, further aggravated by incidents such as Guadeloupe's island-wide power cut.

Protesters set cars on fire and clashed with police during another turbulent night on Martinique, the French Caribbean island, the local government reported on Tuesday. Demonstrators, outraged by escalating living costs, continued their aggressive actions without signs of diminishing tension.

The Martinique administration confirmed that seven vehicles were incinerated, and police faced assaults with stones and Molotov cocktails from late Monday until early Tuesday. Authorities have detained four young individuals amidst the chaos.

This wave of demonstrations, persistent since September, persists despite enforced curfews. French overseas territories like Martinique, Guadeloupe, and New Caledonia are experiencing widespread protests, often highlighting disparities in living standards compared to mainland France. Recently, Guadeloupe underwent a complete power outage, exacerbating the frustrations.

(With inputs from agencies.)