They both send four elected representatives to the National Assembly and two to the Senate. He is represented by a Prefect in each departement whom he appoints on the advice of the French Ministry of the Interior. The heads of government are the Presidents of the General and Regional Councils. Both councils are elected by popular vote, generally for a six year term. Wages and benefits are determined at the same levels that apply in France and most trade is carried out with France, raising costs and prices on the islands above those of their neighbours.
Unemployment is rife at at least a quarter of the workforce.
Key elements of the local economies are agriculture, light industry and, increasingly, tourism which has already replaced agriculture as the leading foreign exchange earner in Martinique and is set to do so in Guadeloupe. Most manufactured good, and many foodstuffs are imported, generally from France. The agricultural sector employs about 10 per cent of the workforce in Guadeloupe and less in Martinique. Other vegetable and root crops are cultivated for local consumption but most meat, grain and vegetable requirements are met by imports. The industrial sector is dominated by construction, cement production and rum.