Press Release dated July 1, 2026
MARTINIQUE ÉCONOMIQUE opposes a reform that lacks safeguards and fails to demonstrate its economic value
MARTINIQUE ÉCONOMIQUE notes the start of discussions between the French government and the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique regarding institutional changes in the territory.
As representatives of economic stakeholders—creators of jobs, wealth, and value— the consortium expresses its opposition to this institutional change, and more specifically to the establishment of regulatory authority—particularly in tax matters—whose consequences for businesses’ investment capacity, their competitiveness, and the region’s attractiveness are cause for concern.
While modernizing public policy may be legitimate when it serves the public interest, a reform of this magnitude cannot be considered without comprehensive information, an objective impact assessment, and specific safeguards.
Before any referendum takes place, the people of Martinique must be made aware of the concrete consequences that such a change would have on their daily lives: taxation, employment, businesses, housing, energy, water, health care, public assistance, national solidarity, and purchasing power.
MARTINIQUE ÉCONOMIQUE calls for the utmost vigilance in light of the uncertainties surrounding autonomous regulatory authority, progressive fiscal autonomy, and the transfer of powers.
No membership applications may be accepted until the economic, social, fiscal, and legal impacts have been clearly established.
In particular, the consortium is requesting:
- the publication of a comprehensive and independent impact study; ;
- a precise definition of the relevant competencies; ;
- assurances that national solidarity and support measures will be maintained; ;
- the absence of any tax increases or regulatory constraints; ;
- full compensation for the transfer of responsibilities; ;
- the ongoing involvement of economic organizations in the work; ;
- transparent, pluralistic, and balanced information for the public.
MARTINIQUE ÉCONOMIQUE points out that Martinican businesses are already operating in an environment marked by major structural constraints: the cost of production factors, land, energy, water, transportation, recruitment, and competitiveness. Any institutional reform must be evaluated solely in terms of its actual impact on investment, employment, local production, and economic development.
The consortium will continue its dialogue with government authorities and elected officials to advocate for the interests of businesses. However, this participation should not be interpreted as endorsement of the project.
MARTINIQUE ÉCONOMIQUE’s position is unambiguous: based on the information currently available, the consortium opposes this institutional change and refuses to grant a blank check. Only solid guarantees, a comprehensive impact assessment, and a demonstration of the economic benefits of the reform for Martinique could allow for a fully informed debate.
