From 2007, Saint Martin is an overseas collectivitie of France. Before then, it had been a part - a commune - of Guadeloupe - Guadeloupe being a Department of France. July 2007 had first election of 23 member territorial council - 7 of which are executive council. Council elects a President - now Daniel Gibbs whose political party has strong control. The collectivite has autonomy in various areas.

Sint Maarten is part of Kingdom of the Netherlands - Saint Martin is part of France. Saint Martin is more integrated into France than Sint Maarten is integrated into the Netherlands (the Netherlands being one country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands - but the one country which can call the shots if it wants). The two sides have similar autonomy in many respects.

Whether Paris trusts the Collectivite more than the Hague trusts Country Sint Maarten is for anyone to decide.