Question 5789 — overseas

Summary

Mr. Moerani Frébault draws the attention of the Minister of State, Minister for Overseas Territories to the application of the principle of territorial continuity in French Polynesia. Article 2 of Law No. 2017-256 of February 28, 2017 relating to real equality overseas provides that “the establishment and maintenance of continuous territorial connections between the different components of the territory of the Republic constitute an issue of sovereignty and a priority of State action. This principle aims to strengthen cohesion between the overseas territories and France, as well as to guarantee regular connections within these territories, in accordance with article L. 1803-4 of the transport code. The latter explicitly provides for the eligibility of internal transport for state aid when particular access difficulties exist. French Polynesia, with its 118 islands, 76 of which are inhabited, scattered over an area of ​​5.5 million square kilometers, perfectly illustrates these difficulties. For example, the connection between the island of Fatu Iva in the Marquesas archipelago which does not have an airport and Papeete is obvious: 4 hours by boat to get to Hiva Oa, then 45 minutes by car to reach the airport and finally 4 hours by flight to reach Papeete for a total transport cost exceeding 600 euros. In a context where the cost of living is higher than in France, this amount constitutes a significant obstacle to the mobility of residents. Opening up Polynesian territories is essential to guarantee people's access to health services, education, employment, administrative procedures, as well as public services. It also responds to the need to maintain links with the most isolated populations, while fighting against the exodus towards urban centers and supporting the economic development of the islands. Currently, Guyana benefits from state support for internal mobility, to the tune of 1.5 million euros. This system, although beneficial for this territory, could usefully be extended to French Polynesia, whose geography and needs in terms of internal transport are just as glaring. The MP therefore asks the Minister to please specify the reasons why internal territorial continuity in French Polynesia, provided for by the legislation in force, is still not implemented. He would also like to know if the Government plans to create a specific system to meet the mobility needs of Polynesians.

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