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4d ago

Macron Pledges Emergency Support for La Réunion’s Health and Agriculture Crises

The French president addressed the chikungunya epidemic and post-cyclone recovery while emphasizing the island's strategic Indo-Pacific role.

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Emmanuel Macron assiste à une action contre le chikungunya du service militaire adapté, à Saint-Benoît, à La Réunion, le 22 avril 2025.
Emmanuel Macron (C), entouré du ministre des outre-mer Manuel Valls s’entretient avec des militaires qui luttent contre l’épidémie de chikungunya à Saint-Benoit (La Réunion), le 22 avril 2025. 
Emmanuel Macron lors d'une visite du site industriel Royal Bourbon à Bras-Panon, à la Réunion, le 22 avril 2025.

Overview

  • President Emmanuel Macron visited La Réunion on April 22, 2025, to assess the chikungunya outbreak affecting one in nine residents and the damage caused by Cyclone Garance.
  • Macron announced reinforcements for hospitals struggling with daily influxes of 30–40 chikungunya patients and highlighted the ongoing Ixchiq vaccination campaign targeting high-risk seniors.
  • Cyclone Garance caused €250 million in damages, including €150 million to agriculture, with Macron promising a 'disaster recovery' plan and €244 million in aid to support affected farmers.
  • The president reaffirmed La Réunion's importance in France's Indo-Pacific strategy, pledging increased military presence and regional cooperation to counter global power competition.
  • Macron’s commitments come as the island grapples with escalating climate hazards and public health challenges, underscoring the need for long-term resilience planning.