Agreement in France on autonomy plans for Corsica Biden calls for higher taxes for the rich and companies

The desired autonomy for the French Mediterranean island of Corsica is within reach. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin and top Corsican politicians have agreed on a text for a corresponding constitutional reform, as Darmanin said in Paris on Tuesday evening. First, the Corsican island parliament must debate the plan. President Emmanuel Macron could then submit the project to the national parliament.

The agreement on autonomous status stipulates that Corsican politicians must initially be able to adapt the laws from Paris. It must also be able to determine its own regulations and legal standards. Darmanin announced that this should be regulated in a separate law. In addition, it is necessary to recognize a historical, cultural and linguistic island community that has a special bond with its country. It still remained unclear whether this could result in concrete benefits for Corsicans on the island, as Corsican politicians had hoped.

Difficult relationship

Unlike Germany, France is a central state, connected to the center of power in Paris. Regions and municipalities have only limited powers. It is therefore unusual that Corsica could acquire a certain degree of autonomy. President Macron promised the island with its almost 350,000 inhabitants autonomy in the autumn. But he emphasized that it is about autonomy in the republic, and not against or without the state. He mentioned the end of March as a time frame for an initial agreement.

The relationship between Corsica and the government in Paris has long been considered difficult. For decades, Corsican separatists fought for greater 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 submit the text to the French parliament. Although a majority in the National Assembly is considered certain, persuasion in the Senate may still be necessary. 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 population should also vote on the autonomy project. (sda/dpa)