2023-09-28 14:34:33
Corsica takes a step towards autonomy. Emmanuel Macron appeared before the Corsican Assembly this Thursday late morning, the day after a meeting with the nationalists and the republican right of the island. The aim was to discuss the possible evolution of the institutional status of the territory.
The “entry of Corsica into the Constitution”
Emmanuel Macron first paid tribute to the figures of the Corsican resistance while he will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the island’s liberation from the Nazi yoke during his visit. “We are at a historic moment,” then launched Emmanuel Macron, specifying several times “recognize Corsican history, culture and specificities”. “In order to fully anchor Corsica in the Republic”, he wants its “entry into the Constitution”, a gesture which he describes as “indispensable”.
The president also spoke of “autonomy for Corsica”, which would be “not against or without the State but for Corsica, in the Republic”. If he did not further specify the contours of the changes, future announcements will have to be the subject of a political consensus within the Corsican Assembly. “It is about opening up free and responsible governance, compatible with the Constitution,” he insisted.
“A constitutional and organic text” will be submitted to a vote “within six months”, i.e. March 2024. Then, if it is accepted, a constitutional revision process will be initiated, which must then be validated by a majority of the three fifths — and therefore Republicans — in Congress (National Assembly and Senate combined). Hence his request, beforehand, for a political agreement on the island between nationalists and the right-wing opposition.
Concretely, this process could lead to the transfer of skills (economic, social, etc.) to Corsican communities, under the control of the Council of State and the Constitutional Council, explained Emmanuel Macron.
“Getting out of distrust”
The head of state insisted on the need to “get out of face-to-face situations”. While repeatedly citing the “need for more freedom, identity recognition, the island and Mediterranean singularity” of Corsica, he wishes “to get out of this situation of distrust, confrontation, resentment”.
In March 2022, the death of Yvan Colonna, attacked during his detention by an inmate, set the island ablaze and provoked violent clashes with the police. Emmanuel Macron wishes to “shed light on the assassination” of the Corsican, convicted for the death of prefect Claude Erignac in 1998. “This page must be closed in respect of the truth,” he underlines.
The Corsican language
Emmanuel Macron said he was in favor of better recognition of the Corsican language. “The Corsican language must be placed at the heart of the life of every Corsican,” says the president. To do this, he announced the creation of a “public service in favor of bilingualism”.
Housing, health…
Finding accommodation in Corsica is a real headache. Emmanuel Macron spoke of the difficulties in accessing housing that many residents face, particularly in the face of soaring prices. “Fiscal principles” could be created. A “new generation” Transformation and Investment Plan for Corsica (PTIC) should also strengthen the economic and social development of the island.
Concerning health, Corsica being considered a medical desert, Emmanuel Macron evokes the “duty of solidarity of the State”. A “nursing home catch-up plan” will be continued, and the Porto-Vecchio maternity ward, in the south of the island, will be maintained. The Bastia hospital center will see the light of day “as promised”.
The culmination of months of reflection
The government’s discourse has clearly evolved in recent months. In March 2022, the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, said he was “ready to go as far as autonomy. Afterwards, the question is what this autonomy is. We need to discuss it.” In the months that followed, he received a delegation of Corsican elected officials to discuss the institutional, economic and social model of the island territory.
Almost united, the nationalists had adopted on July 5 an autonomy project pleading for legislative power in all areas except the sovereign, power which would be entrusted to the Assembly of Corsica, where they occupy three-quarters of the seats. They also want resident status, co-officiality of the Corsican language and the inclusion of the notion of Corsican people in the Constitution.
A second text from the right-wing minority opposition, which calls for a simple “power to adapt” French laws to Corsican specificities, was also sent to the president.
Last September, Gérald Darmanin visited the site again. “The principle of a status of autonomy and a global political solution is acquired,” assured the president of the executive council of Corsica, Gilles Simeoni, after an interview with the minister.
Waits are long, as illustrated by the speeches of Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis, president of the Assembly of Corsica and Gilles Simeoni, president of the executive council of Corsica. “After 50 years of incomprehension, disappointed hopes, individual tragedies, it is high time to give answers to Corsican youth,” demanded Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis. “The time has come to ease resentment and pain,” promised Gilles Simeoni. We owe it to past generations, today and those to come. »
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