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Martinique - Government

Martinique is a French Overseas Department. France is represented there by a perfect who is appointed by the French Government on the advice of the French Minister of Interior. Two bodies, the 45-member General Council and the 41-member Regional Council have local power and are elected by universal adult suffrage for six-year periods. After these elections, the members of each council choose its president. Four deputies represent Guadeloupe in the French National Assembly; it also has two senators in the French Senate and a councilor in the Economic and Social Council. It is also represented at the European Parliament.

Political Parties include: Rally for the Republic (RPR), Federation Socialist of Martinique (FSM), Martinique Progressive Party (PPM), Martinique Communist Party (PCM), Union for French Democracy (UDF), Martinique Independence Movement (MIM), Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), Martinique Forces of Progress (FMP), Build the Martinique Country (BPM), Martiniquan Democratic Rally (RDM), Oson Oser, Modemas.

As a French Overseas Territory, the European Commission directives are followed with regards to consumer protection. There are safety requirements for consumer products such as sports and playground equipment, childcare articles, lighters and most household products such as textiles and furniture. In addition, France has laws to protect public health and the consumer interests and to deal with fraudulent practices and infringement of economic regulations. Martinique generally follows France's lead.

As an Overseas Department of France, Martinique's import policy agrees with that operating within the European Union (EU). Imports from non-EU countries are therefore subjected to a Community Integrated Tariff (TARIC) system, and the tariff schedule is based on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS).

The French Agency for International Investment is responsible for promoting investment. The French investment policy is considered among the least restrictive in the world. There is little screening of investment. However, acquisitions which have bearing on health sector, public order and national security are subjected to a review within a month. In Martinique, the French regulations generally apply. Some investors see the dis-incentives to investment as high payroll; income taxes and corporate tax of about 33 %; and pervasive regulation of labor.