Gabriel Serville, president of the Territorial Collectivity of Guyane, refused to meet Overseas Minister Naïma Moutchou during her first visit to the territory in mid-February. He criticizes the government's lack of clear commitment on the territorial status evolution project. Mandated by Emmanuel Macron, the minister in turn accuses Mr. Serville of blocking discussions.
In 2022, the Guyanese executive advocated for co-construction with the government to revive the territorial status evolution project. Four years later, relations have strained between Paris and Cayenne. The Territorial Collectivity of Guyane demands a special status guaranteed by an organic law revising the Constitution, but faces silence from the government and the head of state on its autonomy request.
The gap widened during Naïma Moutchou's visit to Guyane in mid-February. Hours before her arrival, Gabriel Serville, elected in June 2021 at the head of a left-anchored coalition, announced his refusal to meet her. He highlights the « absence of clear, formal, and engaging responses from the State » on several files, including institutional evolution, a priority since his election.
The minister sought to ease tensions: « On the institutional side, the door is open. Let's talk about it, let's move forward. » However, this extended hand was not taken by Mr. Serville. Back in Paris, Ms. Moutchou attributed responsibility for the current stalemate to the CTG president: « President Serville is blocking today. I am ready to start this work, but he wants to see the President of the Republic first. »
This standoff highlights the persistent divergences on the institutional future of Guyane, a French overseas territory.