From Colony to Department: Uneven Development

Réunion's 1946 departmentalization brought dramatic changes. Michel Debré, French Prime Minister exiled as prefect (1963-1967), launched massive modernization.

"Debré transformed Réunion from colonial backwater to modern society in one generation," notes political scientist Dr. Laurent Médéa. "Roads, schools, hospitals, housing—everything changed. But at what cost?"

Benefits included: - Universal healthcare and education - Modern infrastructure connecting isolated communities - French social welfare system - Economic development and rising living standards

Costs emerged gradually: - Traditional agriculture declined - Import dependence increased - Cultural practices were discouraged as "backward" - Youth lost connection to Creole identity

"My parents' generation was told Creole language meant failure, maloya music was primitive," reflects teacher Nadia Ramassamy. "They internalized shame about our culture to help us succeed in French system."

Current governance mirrors other DOMs: - Prefect representing French state - Regional Council for economic development - Departmental Council for social services - 24 mayors governing communes - Parliamentary representatives in Paris

Unlike Caribbean territories, independence movements remain marginal. "We're French in the Indian Ocean, not conflicted about it," states Regional President Didier Robert. "Our challenge is getting Paris to understand our specificities."