"A lot of things can happen in four months. Some can announce their candidacy, others can withdraw it. This will not be my case", assured the Communist candidate.

Fabien Roussel spoke after a video of the former Minister of Justice Christiane Taubira, who calls for union and "considers" a candidacy to respond to the "impasse" of a left more than ever divided, and reduced to a total of 25% of the voting intentions.

Welcomed by Maurice Gironcel, mayor of Sainte-Suzanne (north of the island), the only communist commune of Reunion, Fabien Roussel presented his program for France and "the overseas countries", in front of 200 militants of the Reunion Communist Party (PCR).

“Why in overseas countries is the cost of living more expensive than elsewhere in France?” He asked.

There is "no inevitability. The first answer that I will bring (to the dear life) is to increase the wages" so that each "job allows to live with dignity".

To achieve this objective, the presidential candidate, credited with 3% of the voting intentions in the first round of the presidential election according to a recent poll, again spoke in favor of a minimum wage of 1,800 euros gross.

Fabien Roussel (c), Communist presidential candidate, the mayor of Sainte-Suzanne Maurice Gironcel (d) and a resident of the town, December 16, 2021 in Reunion Island Richard BOUHET AFP

For Reunion, he made an additional commitment.

"In the island, civil service salaries are indexed and therefore higher. I will propose that all salaries be aligned with those of the civil service to cope with the high cost of living."

In Reunion, 38% of the population lives below the poverty line.

"He speaks well. He understands us. It feels good to be together" said Jean-Patrick, 28 years old.

"It reminds me of the meetings before with comrade Paul (Paul Vergès, died in 2016 - editor's note)", adds Edmond, 61 years old.

Founded and led by Paul Vergès, the PCR was Reunion's leading political party for several decades.

Faced with internal dissension, it began a major decline from 2010 after a defeat in the regional elections.

Paul Vergès had been beaten by Didier Robert (various right).

The latter remained President of the Region until last June before being defeated by Huguette Bello, former leader of the PCR.

Fabien Roussel (g), Communist presidential candidate, applauded by sympathizers, during a meeting in Sainte-Suzanne, December 17, 2021 in Reunion Island Richard BOUHET AFP

Entering dissent in 2012, the latter founded the movement For Reunion (PLR) and supports Jean-Luc Mélenchon in the presidential election.

Fabien Roussel will end his stay on the island on Sunday, the day of arrival in Reunion Island of Marine Le Pen (RN) from Mayotte.

© 2021 AFP