Sarkozy to offer Martinique autonomy vote

“I am announcing to you clearly that I intend to consult the people of Martinique on the future of the institutions in their territory as the constitution authorizes me to do,’’ he said during a visit to the French Caribbean region.

But he said there was no question of Martinique taking full independence or splitting away from France.

“The debate we are talking about is not about independence. This is not about surreptitiously organizing any kind of breakaway from the republic,’’ he said. “The debate we are talking about is the right degree of autonomy.’’

Like the neighboring island of Guadeloupe, Martinique is an overseas “departement’’ that is counted as a full part of France and the European Union.

Guadeloupe saw weeks of sometimes violent protests earlier this year that also spread to Martinique over the high cost of living and other economic problems, but movements seeking full independence do not have broad popular support.

In 2003, Martinique voted narrowly against becoming a “collectivite unique’’ - a status that would have given more power to local lawmakers.

But Sarkozy believes there may be more support for such a change now. “I think ideas have moved on since then,’’ he said.

The islands get considerable financial support from mainland France but also have serious economic problems, including higher jobless rates and prices than other parts of the country.

Sarkozy arrived on Thursday for a two-day visit to Martinique and Guadeloupe.