France to Consider Some Autonomy for Caribbean Island Amid Unrest | Farsnews Agency

(FNA)- France is considering giving some autonomy to Guadeloupe following major riots and protests against coronavirus restrictions and a lagging economy on the Caribbean island.

The French Minister for Overseas Affairs, Sebastien Lecornu, said "the government was ready to talk about" autonomy for the island during a 16-minute televised address, according to France TV.

The address followed intense rioting on the island and fires on city streets.

"Some elected officials have asked the question, in the hollow, of autonomy," he stated, adding, "According to them, Guadeloupe could better manage itself. They want less equality with France, more freedom of decision by local elected officials."

Guadeloupe, an archipelago of seven islands that has been under French control since 1674, has been rioting for 13 days against a mandate for all health workers to get vaccinated that was imposed by the French government.

Citizens are also angry about high unemployment and a "health pass", which requires people to show a negative coronavirus test or proof of vaccination to enter public spaces such as restaurants.