Territories too often overlooked
I no longer want the overseas territories looked at only at election time. Too often, they are talked about to win votes, then left with the same problems: the cost of living, access to healthcare, employment, housing, water, energy, transport, schooling, training, local business, remoteness, natural-disaster risk, and the difficulty of getting goods in and out.
The overseas territories in France's national strategy
To me, the overseas territories are not territories apart. They are part of France's national strategy. France is not only in Europe — it is also in the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, the Pacific, and in South and North America. That is an immense strength, but one that is under-exploited, at a cost to the citizens of France.
Wealth that must also circulate in the overseas territories
My vision: the more wealth also circulates in the overseas territories, the better the quality of life for residents, and the less they are forced to endure remoteness, a lack of services, or having to leave for mainland France.
Developing the overseas territories isn't simply about helping those territories. It's about helping the whole of France.
Stronger territories for all of France
When an overseas territory produces more, treats people better, trains people better, creates more jobs, and organizes its trade with neighboring countries more effectively, it becomes stronger. It depends less on mainland France. It costs less in permanent emergency spending. It contributes more to the whole of France.
But none of that can be achieved with a simple change in the law. Each territory has its own reality.
A method tailored to each territory
French Guiana doesn't live like Réunion. Mayotte doesn't live like Martinique. Guadeloupe doesn't live like French Polynesia. New Caledonia doesn't live like Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Some territories need a more stable energy supply. Others need ports, healthcare, security, training, housing, water, agriculture, or digital connectivity.
I want a tailor-made method, territory by territory: looking at what is holding things back, what is missing, what costs too much, what could be produced locally, what could be better connected to neighboring countries, and what could create worthwhile jobs for residents.
A genuine strategy built with each territory
The goal is not to announce a grand plan from Paris. The goal is to build a genuine strategy with each territory, to deliver visible results in the short, medium, and long term.
In the short term, daily life needs relief. In the medium term, more local activity needs to be created. In the long term, the overseas territories must become strengths for France on the world stage. I want the overseas territories to stop being treated as a burden. I want them to become an organized, respected force that serves the whole Nation.