Highlights: In the Overseas Territories, price differences with the French France are abysmal: +15.8% in Guadeloupe, +33% in New Caledonia, some everyday products go up to +50%. These are consequences of economic monopolies. A way out must be found, according to Gérald Darmanin – Minister of the Interior and Overseas – alerted by Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson. "I will launch a mission as soon as I return to Paris with Philippe Vigier, Minister of Overseas, to make the observation of monopolies," he said.

In France, how to fight against economic monopolies in the Overseas Territories? Gérald Darmanin, Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories, visiting French Polynesia, announced the launch of a...

Gérald Darmanin announces a mission to fight against the high cost of living in the Overseas Territories

In France, how to fight against economic monopolies in the Overseas Territories? Gérald Darmanin, Minister of the Interior and Overseas, visiting French Polynesia, announced the launch of a mission to fight against these monopolies. Very numerous in the overseas territories, they are one of the causes of the high cost of living.

In the Overseas Territories, price differences with the French France are abysmal: +15.8% in Guadeloupe, +33% in New Caledonia, some everyday products go up to +50%. (Illustrative image) © HELENE VALENZUELA / AFP

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The high cost of living in the Overseas Territories is a subject that has been invited for many years during ministerial visits. A subject that hits the inhabitants of these territories hard since the price differences with the French France are abysmal: +15.8% in Guadeloupe, +33% in New Caledonia, some everyday products go up to +50%. These are consequences of economic monopolies.

The overseas territories remain small markets for companies that are reluctant to set up there. Without competition, prices skyrocket. A way out must be found, according to Gérald Darmanin – Minister of the Interior and Overseas – alerted by Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson. "I will launch a mission as soon as I return to Paris with Philippe Vigier, Minister of Overseas, to make the observation of monopolies," starting with French Polynesia, said Gérald Darmanin during an interview granted Saturday, August 19 in Papeete to local television channels Polynesia la 1ère and TNTV.

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I hear President Brotherson calling on us to fight economic monopolies. There are too many economic monopolies in overseas France in general and in French Polynesia," he said. "We will propose to President Brotherson to fight together against these monopolies, because when there are monopolies, there are very high prices and when there are very high prices, it is the Polynesians of everyday life who can not get by," added the Minister of the Interior.

Additional logistical costs related to remoteness

Local employers insist on the additional logistical costs caused by the remoteness. During a parliamentary commission of inquiry conducted in June at the National Assembly, shipping companies such as the giant CMA-CGM were singled out. They claim to represent only 5% of the purchase cost.

A "high cost of living" file where everyone passes the buck and which may not leave the luggage of visiting ministers anytime soon.

See alsoHard discount supermarkets, a solution for more and more French people

(

and with AFP)

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