For a Martinique of excellence, right now! 4/5
A Different Approach to Governance: Performance Above All.
The first three opinion pieces in this series, including the one by Mikaël Glondu-Monnerville, have shown that Martinique must make excellence its collective goal, gain better control over value chains, and invest in skills. But these ambitions will remain theoretical unless they are accompanied by a profound transformation of public policy. The question is no longer simply which functions to perform, but how to perform them. Public performance, evaluation, and accountability must now become the pillars of a new model of territorial governance.
The Real Challenge: Better Governance
For several years now, public debate in Martinique has been largely dominated by the issue of institutional reform. Should there be greater autonomy? Should there be broader legislative authority? Should the status of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique be changed?
These are legitimate questions. They directly concern the region’s ability to adapt its public policies to its realities.
But an equally important question is often overlooked: What do we do with the skills we already have?
Because no institutional reform will ever replace effective governance.
Successful regions are not just those with the broadest range of expertise. They are also those that know how to set priorities, implement their policies consistently, evaluate their results, and quickly address their shortcomings.
Taking Action on Both Fronts
The framework agreement signed on July 1, 2026, between the French government and the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique opens up new possibilities by initiating a discussion on legislative authority tailored to the realities of Martinique.
This debate is necessary.
But it must not lead to postponing decisions that can be made today.
The recent authorizations granted in the energy and water sectors clearly illustrate this reality. They show that the current constitutional framework already offers opportunities to adapt public policies, even though these procedures still have room for improvement—limited scope, short duration, and procedures that are sometimes cumbersome.
In other words, Martinique does not have to choose between taking immediate action and preparing for the future.
She has to do both at the same time.
Making full use of existing flexibility while continuing to explore the necessary institutional changes is undoubtedly the most effective strategy.
Changes to the bylaws are no substitute for action.
It should serve as a catalyst.
Shifting from a culture of resources to a culture of results
Public action is still largely evaluated in terms of the resources committed: approved budgets, personnel deployed, and programs established.
But citizens expect results above all else.
Improving transportation.
A more reliable water supply.
Shorter administrative processing times.
More jobs.
Better quality public services.
Greater security.
A more dynamic economy.
In other words, they evaluate public policies based on their actual effects.
This development calls for a true cultural revolution.
Every policy should be accompanied by specific objectives, monitoring indicators, clearly defined deadlines, and regular public evaluations.
Transparency should no longer be merely an administrative requirement.
It must become a trusted tool.
Governance Based on Evaluation
Public accountability does not mean seeking cost savings at any cost.
It involves ensuring that every euro spent delivers the greatest possible benefit to citizens.
An effective policy achieves its objectives.
An effective policy addresses these issues using the most appropriate means.
A sustainable policy produces effects that last over time.
A transparent policy is open to evaluation.
This culture of evaluation should apply to all public policies—economic development, education, tourism, transportation, energy, the environment, social services, health, culture, and regional cooperation.
What we measure can be improved.
What we refuse to evaluate often ends up being imposed on us.
A More Agile Government
This development also requires an update to work methods.
The digital revolution, artificial intelligence, and data analytics tools now offer significant opportunities to streamline procedures, speed up decision-making, and improve the management of public policies.
The government of the future will need to be more focused on support than on oversight, more results-oriented than procedure-oriented, and better able to anticipate than to react.
The goal is not to have a larger government.
The goal is to have a more efficient government.
Turning Governance into a Competitive Advantage
In a world where regions compete to attract investment, businesses, talent, and visitors, the quality of governance has become a key factor in competitiveness.
An effective administration.
Quick decisions.
Clear procedures.
Timelines under control.
A strategic vision.
All of these factors enhance a region’s appeal.
Good governance is therefore not merely a democratic requirement.
It also serves as a driver of economic development.
A Collective Responsibility
Ultimately, governing differently is not just a matter for institutions.
This also requires a change in behavior.
Elected officials must accept the evaluation.
The administration must foster a results-oriented culture.
Companies must adopt an innovation-driven approach.
Citizens need to be more involved in evaluating public policies.
Excellence cannot be merely an economic goal.
It must become a culture of shared responsibility.
Only under these conditions will Martinique be able to make full use of the powers it currently holds, prepare for those it will exercise in the future, and build a system of governance that matches its ambitions.
Coming up: A Goal for Martinique: Striving for Excellence. This final op-ed will summarize the key takeaways from this series and demonstrate that excellence is neither a slogan nor a utopia, but a realistic strategy for generating greater wealth, governing more effectively, and better preparing for the future.
