Corsica's autonomy: draft constitutional reforms reaching the National Assembly

The French National Assembly has entered into a highly political debate over the proposed constitutional reform aimed at granting autonomy to Corsica. This initiative, which was launched in 2022 by then-Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron, seeks to address long-standing tensions and conflicts on the island. The reform, titled "for an autonomous Corsica within the Republic," is now set to be discussed publicly starting Tuesday, June 16, marking the first step in what promises to be an uncertain legislative journey.

The proposal outlines a framework where Corsica would gain the ability to adapt certain French laws and regulations according to its specific needs, under defined conditions. Additionally, the Corsican Collectivity could be authorized to establish norms tailored to the island’s unique circumstances. These provisions have been approved by deputies in committee early this month but face significant division as they move forward in the full assembly. The text has sparked intense discussions among lawmakers, with opinions split even within the majority coalition.

Gilles Simeoni, former president of the Corsican Executive Council and current member of the council, has expressed deep concern about the potential consequences of rejecting the reform. In an interview with *La Tribune Dimanche*, he warned that a negative response from Parliament—whether outright rejection or dilution of the bill—could lead to "disruptive consequences." He emphasized that the agreement backing the reform had already received broad support from elected officials across all political factions on the island. Simeoni, who recently stepped down as head of the executive council but remains part of it, stressed that the reform represents the culmination of three distinct historical cycles: more than half a century of struggle, crisis, and violence driven by the demand for autonomy; over ten years since nationalists took control of the Corsican Collectivity, placing autonomy at the center of their political agenda; and four years following the assassination of Yvan Colonna and the subsequent violent protests that shook the region.

According to Simeoni, the reform was initiated in 2022 by Darmanin at Macron's request to put an end to the unrest on the island. The legislation aims to provide Corsica with a form of autonomy while remaining within the framework of the French Republic. Under the proposed changes, French laws and regulations applicable to Corsica could be adapted based on the island's particularities, subject to certain conditions. Furthermore, the Corsican Collectivity might be empowered to define norms suited to local needs.

Simeoni has engaged extensively with numerous deputies and senators from all political backgrounds, urging them to recognize the untenable nature of the current situation and to embrace a path of trust. He claims that many parliamentarians approached have shown willingness to commit to a course that opens up new possibilities. However, should the reform fail, he expressed serious concerns about the resulting political fallout. "We will not give up," he reiterated, underscoring his determination to push forward despite potential opposition.

The upcoming debates in the National Assembly are expected to be particularly contentious, given the complex mix of regional aspirations and national unity that the issue embodies. As the discussions unfold, the outcome will likely shape not only the future governance of Corsica but also the broader dynamics between the central government and regions seeking greater self-determination. With the stakes high, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the proposed reforms can find common ground or further deepen existing divisions.