Overseas territories: how much weight will they carry in the upcoming presidential campaign?
The 2026 edition of Outre-mer aux avant-postes (Overseas Territories at the Forefront), the fifth of its kind, took place on Thursday 29 January in Paris. It is currently the only national event to address this topic and provided an opportunity to take stock of the current challenges facing overseas territories, their relationship with mainland France and, more broadly, with the French Republic.
Invited to open the event, Naïma Moutchou, Minister for Overseas Territories, was keen to emphasise that far from being peripheral, the overseas territories are at the heart of French sovereignty issues around the world. She added that, in her view, candidates in the next French presidential election in 2027 will have to take a clear stance on the place they want to give to overseas territories within the Republic.
"We cannot say that France is the second maritime power in the world without mentioning overseas territories, otherwise we are just another continental country. We cannot say that the overseas territories are at the forefront, that they are a source of power for us, and then gloss over the subject," she insisted.
Addressing the issue of expected structural reforms, she indicated that "major reforms will probably see the light of day after 2027" and that it is necessary to prepare for them, because "they have their place in the presidential debate."
She said she is working on defining economic, social, societal and ecological transition models, as well as models for young people in the overseas territories, but believes that these models should be submitted to the presidential candidates with the question: "What do you think?" She reiterated
that it is essential for French public policies to be planned and implemented with full consideration for the overseas territories.
The minister also addressed the issue of purchasing power in the overseas territories, which is "crucial and must not disappoint".
