RPPRAC relaunches mobilization

Two years after the October 2024 agreement, the RPPRAC relaunched its mobilization on October 19, with nighttime roadblocks, limited gatherings in Dillon, and political demands, raising questions about the results of the fight against the cost of living and the adherence to the collective's methods.

Demonstration at wholesale market

On October 19, a large crowd responded to Rodrigue Petitot's call at the wholesale market in Dillon. A gathering in front of Carrefour Dillon brought together a few dozen people, with France-Antilles reporting thirty demonstrators and RCI stating several dozen. The store closed in the middle of the afternoon.

Nighttime roadblocks and unrest

During the night of October 18 to 19, more than twenty roadblocks, some of which were set on fire, were recorded in eighteen communes, according to the prefecture. On Monday at 9 am, the main routes were cleared, notably with the support of Centaure armored vehicles in Fort-de-France and Lamentin. Six people were detained.

Lootings and armed robberies

A shop in Saint-Pierre and a pharmaceutical wholesaler in Robert were looted, several vehicles set on fire. Five armed robberies were reported in Lamentin and Fort-de-France. The prefecture mentions at least one heavily armed team that seemed to be taking advantage of the unrest. Investigations must establish responsibilities.

Price reduction agreement

A protocol was signed on October 16, 2024, without the RPPRAC, aiming for an average decrease of 20% on about 6,000 food products. It notably mobilized the exemptions from VAT and maritime dues, the reduction of approach fees, and the obtaining of export rates from mainland suppliers.

Report on price decreases

The fifth prefectural report, published in July 2026, covers January 2025 to April 2026. Compared to the six months preceding the signing, it measures an average decrease of 11.3% for the products of the 54 families exempt from VAT and maritime dues, and 4.7% for the 15 families benefiting only from zero VAT. The decreases are therefore documented for the products followed.

Consumer perceptions and challenges

Interviewed by RCI on October 19, Patrick Plantard, president of the Price Observatory, highlighted the effects of tax levers and the expected progress on approach fees and export rates. The AFOC considered the results insufficiently perceptible for consumers. The household budget also depends on products outside the scheme, fuel, energy, and housing.

Competition Authority findings

In its opinion of February 10, 2026, the Competition Authority recalls the gaps measured by INSEE in 2022: 13.8% for the overall consumer prices, about 40% for food. The Authority notes structural causes: narrow market, dependence on mainland supplies, taxation, and approach fees.

RPPRAC demands and challenges

The RPPRAC demands the departure of the prefect and the resignation of Serge Letchimy before resuming local dialogue. It says it is ready to negotiate with a government envoy. The strategy raises questions: how to ensure the implementation of commitments while demanding the departure of the interlocutors responsible for following them?

Violence in Guadeloupe

In Guadeloupe, where the collective Nou Las Palé also carries a mobilization against the cost of living, three police officers were wounded by bullets during the night of October 17 to 18. A curfew for minors not accompanied by an adult exercising parental authority was imposed in Pointe-à-Pitre and Abymes.

Continued unrest and curfews

From October 18 to 19, the prefectural report relayed by AFP mentions 44 arrests, most of them minors, and looting in Abymes. However, it indicates the absence of serious disturbances in the center of Pointe-à-Pitre during this second night.

Challenges for both sides

The October 19 day confronts the RPPRAC with the challenge of adherence and the public authorities with that of results. Restoring traffic responds to an urgency; accounting for the commitments made remains just as essential. A prolongation of the blockages weakens companies, jobs, and families.

Path forward

Exiting the crisis requires verifiable decreases, readable accounts, increased transparency on margins, and a dialogue capable of achieving the still awaited measures.