Corsica wants to become more independent: parliament draws up the constitution, Conservative elected president of parliament in Portugal

Late Wednesday evening in Ajaccio, after hours of debate, members of the island’s parliament voted by a large majority in favor of a text for a corresponding constitutional reform. French President Emmanuel Macron is now expected to submit the reform project to the French parliament. Top Corsican politicians and French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin reached agreement on the text two weeks ago after months of negotiations.

If the project comes to the French parliament, a majority in the National Assembly is considered certain. But persuasion may be needed in the Senate. The conservative Republicans, who have the upper hand in the Chamber, are critical of the demand that Corsican politics have more influence on legislation.

The agreement on autonomous status, drawn up by Darmanin and Corsican representatives, 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. According to Darmanin, 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 is unclear whether this could bring concrete benefits to Corsicans on the island, as Corsican politicians had hoped.

Unlike Germany, France is a central state focused on 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.

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. (sda/dpa)