The Mediterranean island of Corsica has long been striving for more independence from Paris. The relationship is tense. Now autonomy could come. But some votes are still necessary for this.
The desired autonomy for the French Mediterranean island of Corsica is within reach. France’s Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin and Corsican top politicians agreed on a text for a corresponding constitutional reform, as Darmanin said that night in Paris. First, the Corsican island parliament should debate the plan. President Emmanuel Macron could then introduce the project to the national parliament.
The agreement on an autonomous status stipulates that Corsican politicians should initially be able to adapt laws from Paris. It should also be able to determine its own regulations and legal standards. Darmanin announced that this should be regulated in a separate law. In addition, a historical, cultural and linguistic island community should be recognized that has a special connection to its country. It still remained unclear whether this could result in concrete advantages for Corsicans on the island, as Corsican politicians had hoped.
In contrast to Germany, France is a central state aligned with the center of power in Paris. Regions and municipalities have only limited competences. It is therefore unusual that Corsica could gain a level of autonomy. President Macron promised the island with its almost 350,000 inhabitants autonomy in the fall. But he emphasized that it was about autonomy in the republic, not against or without the state. He mentioned the end of March as the time frame for an initial agreement.
Difficult relationship
The relationship between Corsica and the government in Paris has long been considered difficult. For decades, Corsican separatists fought for more independence, often with violence. The underground organization FLNC temporarily laid down its arms in 2014. At about the same time, moderate nationalists gained political importance.
They now have a majority in the regional parliament and are demanding autonomous status. Two years ago, tensions became clear again during violent protests. There have also been attacks by militants in the recent past.
The Corsican Parliament is expected to vote on the agreement between the Corsican delegation and Interior Minister Darmanin at the end of March. It is expected that President Macron will then bring the text to the French Parliament. While a majority in the National Assembly is considered certain, persuasion may still be necessary in the Senate.
The conservative Republicans, who have the upper hand in the chamber, are skeptical about the demand for more control for Corsican politicians in legislation. According to Darmanin, the island’s population should also vote on the autonomy project.
Source: Stern
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