Social and economic situation in Reunion Island

Last activity 19 April 2012 by champacs

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MariacheMember09 April 2012 17:33:02

Would like to know the socio-economic environment in R.I. in view of the latest street demonstrations and cold reception to President Zarkozy. Are the islanders wanting to separate from France?

Thanks!

FrancescaTeam10 April 2012 11:09:14

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Hi Mariache and welcome to Expat.com!

Francesca

champacsContributor19 April 2012 07:59:40

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No, there's a minuscule separatist movement on Réunion, but very few people want independence. Unlike many other places there was no indigenous population on the island that's been wiped out or suppressed by the French.

The recent unrest is more a result of the very high rate of unemployment - probably Europe's highest.

P.S. I'm not aware of a particularly cold reception to Sarkozy. There were some protestors, but that's because he's President in office. There were also protests against Marine Le Pen when she came a few months ago.