In a significant development, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his support for granting Corsica a degree of autonomy while emphasizing that it must remain within the framework of the French Republic. Speaking before the Corsican Assembly during his visit to Ajaccio, Macron described this move as a “historic” step and stressed the importance of including Corsica in the French Constitution.
Macron, addressing an assembly where Corsican nationalists hold significant influence, set a six-month timeline for the government and Corsican political parties to collaboratively work on a proposed constitutional revision. This revision would subsequently be presented for examination by the French parliament in Paris.
However, Macron made it clear that the autonomy he envisions is not intended to be in opposition to the French state. He emphasized that it should be autonomy within the French Republic, reinforcing the unity and national identity of France.
This announcement comes after a period of violent protests in Corsica following the death of Corsican nationalist Yvan Colonna in jail. Corsican nationalists, encompassing both separatists and proponents of autonomy, have long sought greater authority for the island and official recognition of Corsican as a language.
These demands have remained sensitive in France, where maintaining national unity is a paramount concern among politicians. Corsican nationalists have shifted towards democratic processes over the past decade, but frustrations have grown due to perceived slow progress, stemming from decades of violent struggle.
In summary, President Macron’s endorsement of autonomy for Corsica within the French Republic marks a significant development in Corsican politics, though the path forward will require collaborative efforts and adherence to the principles of the French state.
