French government imposes curfew amid hardship protests

The French Government in Martinique has imposed a midnight curfew to stop any planned protests against growing inflation and rising living costs in the country.

Martinique is a Caribbean island that’s part of the Lesser Antilles. It is an overseas region of France.

It was learned that the directive was given by the government on Thursday, saying the curfew will be effective from 9pm to 5am.

The government also banned public gatherings until 14 October 2024.

The sale of materials that could be used in arson attacks was also prohibited.

RFI reports that Martinique’s airport and schools were shut down on Friday following a fresh wave of protests over the soaring cost of living.

This was because some hoodlums looted shops and set up barricades overnight. They also engaged in a deadly clash with the police.

At least three stores and several car parks were torched, and burnt-out cars blocked traffic on a major road in Fort-de-France, the island’s main city, according to RFI.

One man was also allegedly killed after being shot but the police did not open fire during the night.

The protests have disrupted flights at Martinique airport and flights are being re-directed to the neighbouring French island of Guadeloupe.

Around 50 people stormed the runway of the airport, police told AFP.

FranceInfo reported eight arrests had been made and posted video showing police clashing with protesters.

The prefecture blamed the airport incursion on “completely false” rumours that hundreds of French riot police were en route to the island.

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