France, July 10 -- Seven months after cyclone Chido struck Mayotte, France's poorest department, parliament has passed a sweeping plan to help rebuild the island, address social divisions and tighten migration rules.

The plan, which was approved by the Senate on Thursday, promises €4 billion in public investment over six years. It also aims to increase social benefits in Mayotte to match mainland France by 2031.

Currently 77 percent of people in Mayotte live below the national poverty line and payments such as the minimum income benefit RSA remain half as high as in the rest of France.

Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte on 14 December, 2024, damaging homes and roads.

The Mayotte Departmental Council said it remains committed to supportin...