French Senate Faces Challenge of Rebuilding Mayotte Post-Cyclone
The French government aims to invest billions in long-term recovery efforts for the island, addressing existing socio-economic issues exacerbated by Cyclone Chido.
Five months after the devastating impact of Cyclone Chido, the French government's response is entering a new phase focused on the long-term rebuilding of Mayotte, the poorest department in France.
According to Overseas Minister Manuel Valls, while the cyclone caused widespread destruction, it also highlighted pre-existing challenges on the island.
The current phase follows initial emergency responses and fast-tracked reconstruction efforts, marked by the adoption of an initial legislative framework in mid-February.
This latest initiative aims to hold the state accountable for its financial responsibilities and to rebuild the island on more solid foundations, improving the living conditions for residents.
A proposed 'program law' currently under consideration in the Senate is integral to fulfilling President Emmanuel Macron's promise to allocate €3.2 billion in public investment by 2031. This funding will target essential areas such as water, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
During parliamentary discussions, the government has pledged to amend the proposal to increase investment to nearly €4 billion.
Olivier Bitz, a co-rapporteur of the legislation, emphasized its necessity for restoring confidence within the community, where mistrust towards the state is high.
The law was developed in collaboration with local officials and will be closely monitored, particularly regarding pressing issues such as housing, education, and immigration.
Senator Salama Ramia from Mayotte pointed out the need for a detailed timeline of investment schedules, to which the government has partially responded by introducing an amendment.
Senators have further proposed establishing a 'monitoring committee' to ensure that commitments are realized.
Beyond financial programming, the proposed law seeks to reform various aspects of Mayotte's economic, social, institutional, and security frameworks.
A contentious aspect involves immigration policy, with proposed measures including stricter residence permit conditions and increased penalties for fraudulent paternity acknowledgment.
Additionally, the law would empower authorities to revoke residence permits from parents of minors deemed a public safety threat.
Local calls for the abolition of territorial visas, which currently restrict holders of Mahoran residency permits from traveling to mainland France, are not addressed in the proposal.
Proponents argue that removing these restrictions would help alleviate congestion in local hospitals and schools, which face strain from a significant influx of undocumented migrants from nearby Comoros.
However, the government and the Senate majority advocate for maintaining these restrictions, fearing that eliminating them could lead to increased immigration.
Corinne Narassiguin, a Socialist senator, expressed concerns over what she termed the government's 'migration obsession', criticizing the approach to solving migration issues.
Meanwhile, the environmentalist group condemned the proposal for allegedly stigmatizing and criminalizing migrants instead of fostering reconstruction efforts.
Another significant concern involves provisions to streamline expropriations meant to expedite rebuilding efforts.
The legislation also includes social and economic initiatives, such as establishing a comprehensive free trade zone with 100% tax exemptions and plans for a social convergence by 2031, aligning social welfare benefits, such as the RSA, with those in mainland France, where current minimum social benefits are about 50% lower.
According to Overseas Minister Manuel Valls, while the cyclone caused widespread destruction, it also highlighted pre-existing challenges on the island.
The current phase follows initial emergency responses and fast-tracked reconstruction efforts, marked by the adoption of an initial legislative framework in mid-February.
This latest initiative aims to hold the state accountable for its financial responsibilities and to rebuild the island on more solid foundations, improving the living conditions for residents.
A proposed 'program law' currently under consideration in the Senate is integral to fulfilling President Emmanuel Macron's promise to allocate €3.2 billion in public investment by 2031. This funding will target essential areas such as water, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
During parliamentary discussions, the government has pledged to amend the proposal to increase investment to nearly €4 billion.
Olivier Bitz, a co-rapporteur of the legislation, emphasized its necessity for restoring confidence within the community, where mistrust towards the state is high.
The law was developed in collaboration with local officials and will be closely monitored, particularly regarding pressing issues such as housing, education, and immigration.
Senator Salama Ramia from Mayotte pointed out the need for a detailed timeline of investment schedules, to which the government has partially responded by introducing an amendment.
Senators have further proposed establishing a 'monitoring committee' to ensure that commitments are realized.
Beyond financial programming, the proposed law seeks to reform various aspects of Mayotte's economic, social, institutional, and security frameworks.
A contentious aspect involves immigration policy, with proposed measures including stricter residence permit conditions and increased penalties for fraudulent paternity acknowledgment.
Additionally, the law would empower authorities to revoke residence permits from parents of minors deemed a public safety threat.
Local calls for the abolition of territorial visas, which currently restrict holders of Mahoran residency permits from traveling to mainland France, are not addressed in the proposal.
Proponents argue that removing these restrictions would help alleviate congestion in local hospitals and schools, which face strain from a significant influx of undocumented migrants from nearby Comoros.
However, the government and the Senate majority advocate for maintaining these restrictions, fearing that eliminating them could lead to increased immigration.
Corinne Narassiguin, a Socialist senator, expressed concerns over what she termed the government's 'migration obsession', criticizing the approach to solving migration issues.
Meanwhile, the environmentalist group condemned the proposal for allegedly stigmatizing and criminalizing migrants instead of fostering reconstruction efforts.
Another significant concern involves provisions to streamline expropriations meant to expedite rebuilding efforts.
The legislation also includes social and economic initiatives, such as establishing a comprehensive free trade zone with 100% tax exemptions and plans for a social convergence by 2031, aligning social welfare benefits, such as the RSA, with those in mainland France, where current minimum social benefits are about 50% lower.
