Marine Le Pen Visits Mayotte: Criticisms of the Reconstruction Plan and Support for Cyclone Victims
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally’s parliamentary group, began a two-day visit to Mayotte on Sunday, January 5, three weeks after the devastating passage of Cyclone Chido. Upon her arrival at Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi airport, the former presidential candidate sharply criticized the government’s reconstruction plan, “Mayotte Debout.” According to her, the plan “does not go far enough” and lacks a “diplomatic component,” which she considers essential to ensure the promises made to the people of Mayotte are fulfilled.
A Call to Honor Promises Made
Marine Le Pen emphasized that her primary purpose was to listen to the people of Mayotte during this time of crisis. “I have heard promises, and I believe they must not be forgotten. The people of Mayotte are suffering immensely,” she stated. She also pledged to hold the government accountable for its commitments, adding, “If necessary, we will remind the government of the promises it has made.”
On-the-Ground Engagement and Local Challenges
Her visit includes meetings with civil protection teams and discussions with residents affected by the disaster, including a gathering in Mamoudzou on Sunday afternoon. On Monday and Tuesday, she plans to visit other hard-hit areas to assess the needs on the ground.
According to Marine Le Pen, “This is not just about reconstruction; it’s about building, as Mayotte has been neglected for years.” She also criticized the lack of diplomatic solutions, particularly in the face of significant migratory pressure from neighboring Comoros.
A Struggling Archipelago
Mayotte, the poorest department in France, was severely impacted by Cyclone Chido. According to the Interior Ministry, 69.7% of the population now has access to electricity, though disparities remain significant between communities. The government continues distributing water, food, and essential supplies to support those affected.
In closing, Marine Le Pen stressed the importance of delivering sustainable solutions for Mayotte, a region where her party has achieved significant electoral success, reflecting strong local support for her positions.
