Martinique grapples with major cost of living crisis • FRANCE 24 English

People in Martinique are protesting the cost of living. That's because food products on the island cost up to 42% more than in mainland France. Sri Lankans are gearing up for a presidential election - and this year, the economy will be at the top of voters' minds. The Bank of England decided to hold its key rate steady at 5%, a day after the US Federal Reserve kicked off its own rate cuts with a half percentage point reduction.