After Thierry Henrywho spoke on the CBS evening show Champions Leagueprotesters against the high cost of living in the French West Indies have found a powerful new ally: Teddy Riner.
In an interview with Outre-mer la 1èrethe five-time Olympic judo champion expresses his concern at what is currently happening in the Antilles, where he is originally from, and all the overseas territories. These are French regions and that means there’s a double standard,” he attacks. I’d like to understand why it’s more expensive for us. I’d like to understand why we’re treated differently. Are we French or are we not French?”
The judoka demands answers: “There are islands next door, they have the same processes, they use means like the boat to bring in the merchandise, and they’re not 30% more expensive. So please explain.”
The movement against the high cost of living, which started in Martinique two months ago, is now spreading to all territories. Representatives from overseas departments and regions were in Paris this weekend to demonstrate. We’re going to follow, we’re going to make sure that certain things change, and I think we have to stand together,” continues Riner. For once, I’d like us to show that we are a united people. Often, too often, I’ve heard, we don’t show solidarity. Now is the time to show the opposite.”
“It’s impossible to let go of my people”.
Teddy Riner, born in Guadeloupe, still has his father and part of his family there. So he feels primarily concerned. “I can’t say to myself that tomorrow I’m going to let go of my people, I’m going to let go of my origins, where I was born, where it all began, no, that’s impossible,” he assures us.
Last week, the French government pledged to cut food prices by 20%.. But this agreement was not signed by the Rassemblement pour la Protection des Peuples collective, which called for further mobilization.