French government's plan to rebuild Mayotte does not go far enough, says Le Pen

Cyclone Chido ripped through the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mayotte in December 2024 leaving at least 39 people dead and 2,500 injured.

National Rally chief Marine Le Pen on Sunday branded as insufficient French government plans to rebuild Mayotte following the devastation left on the Indian Ocean archipelago by Cyclone Chido on 9 December.

Speaking shortly after stepping off a military aircraft in Mayotte, Le Pen said: "The promises made to the people of Mayotte, who are suffering like mad, must not be forgotten."

During a visit to Mayotte last month, French Prime Minister François Bayrou unveiled a package of measures in which electricity would be restored to homes by the end of January.

He also said 200 satellite link systems would be set up to ensure emergency communications and that state- guaranteed loans would be offered at special rates. He also warned against the reconstruction of informal settlements. There were also offers to educate children in mainland France and promises to deploy more police officers.

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"The government's plan does not go far enough because I think it lacks an important component, which is a diplomatic component, without which many of the things that have been promised will not be delivered’," Le Pen said on Sunday.

"If necessary, of course we'll be there to remind the government of any promises that may have been made."

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Le Pen last visited Mayotte in April 2024 to drum up for support for her party's candidates at the European elections and speak out against illegal immigration from neighbouring Comoros and Madagascar.


Read more on RFI English

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