IN FOCUS
By Rishika Yadav

Macron’s proposal for Corsica’s autonomy: History, Response and Gains
On 28 September, Emmanuel Macron, France’s President, proposed a constitutional text to grant autonomy to Corsica. He said: “It will not be autonomy against the State, nor autonomy without the State, but autonomy for Corsica and within the republic.” The proposal comes after eight months of discussions between the government and Corsica’s political leaders. Under the supervision of the Council of State and the Constitutional Council, it will grant Corsica’s elected representatives the ability to define standards and transfer powers. The move aims to recognize Corsica’s identity, without “disengagement” from France.
 
The Corsican autonomy proposal from Macron’s administration is a recent response to the long-standing demand for autonomy by Corsicans. This proposal was introduced in 2022 to address the ongoing unrest that had been simmering on the island for many years. This unrest was exacerbated by an attack on pro-independence activist Yvan Colonna, who is serving a life sentence for the 1998 assassination of Corsica’s prefect Claude Erignac. The aim of the proposal was to ease tensions and establish a framework for Corsica to have more autonomy within the French Republic.
 
History of Crosica’s fight for autonomy
Corsica is a Mediterranean island located southeast of France and west of Italy, has a rich and complex history, Corsica’s culture is shaped by this history, from prehistoric sites to Roman influence on agriculture, Christian churches in the Middle Ages, and Genovese fortresses and ramparts for defence. The roots of Corsica’s nationalism can be traced back to the mid-18th century, a period marked by turmoil as the island was contested by the Genoese Republic and the Kingdom of France. Pasquale Paoli emerged as a pivotal figure, leading a rebellion against foreign powers and establishing a short-lived independent state centered in Corte.
 
Under Paoli’s leadership, Corsica ventured into uncharted territory by creating a constitutional republic, which aimed to protect its autonomy. They established the first Constitution in 1755, inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, which included universal manhood suffrage for electing a deliberative assembly called the Diet. This constitution was notably democratic for its era and remained in effect until Corsica was annexed by France. There is evidence to suggest that even female suffrage might have existed during this period. The French conquest of Corsica in 1767 brought an end to this experiment, ultimately incorporating the island into the Kingdom of France. However, the memory of Corsica’s short-lived self-rule had a lasting imprint on the island's identity. This influence served as an inspiration for later regionalist and nationalist movements. These movements aimed to promote Corsican cultural and political autonomy, reflecting the desire for greater self-governance and preservation of Corsican heritage. In summary, the legacy of Corsica's historical self-rule contributed to the rise of regionalist and nationalist movements, which continue to advocate for Corsica's autonomy and cultural preservation today.
 
Response of Corsica’s political parties
The proposal has been met with skepticism by some Corsican nationalists. For example the FLNC is a group responsible for four decades of armed struggle for Corsican independence. It demanded for complete independence from France. Corsica’s nationalists, dominant in the Corsica Assembly, push for various measures, including legislative power, Corsican residency status, language recognition, and Corsica’s representation in the French Constitution. The island’s right-wing, Party of the Corsican Nation (PNC), historically favoured adapting French laws to Corsica’s unique needs, maintaining the status quo. However, pro-independence group Corsica Libera expressed discontent over being mere spectators during Macron’s address, fearing autonomy would equate to mere decentralization. Ongoing negotiations between the French government and Corsica’s political parties will continue, with a proposed revision to the Constitution expected to be reviewed by the parliament in Paris after six months.
 
Gains for France
Giving autonomy for Corsica offers France several advantages. Firstly, it has the potential to alleviate longstanding tensions with Corsica’s nationalists, who have persistently demanded greater self-governance or even independence, thereby mitigating conflicts and violence on the island. Secondly, Corsica’s autonomy could bolster the island’s economy by providing more control over its financial and resource management, thereby encouraging investment and job creation. Lastly, this move would enhance France’s presence in the Mediterranean region, fortifying its strategic position on the island.
 
The proposal to grant autonomy represents a notable departure from France’s historical centrist approach. It offers a shift towards constitutional autonomy while maintaining a vital connection to the French republic. Positioned as autonomy, the proposal seeks to balance regional governance with national integration. This shift is anticipated to strengthen national unity, potentially defusing tensions that have arisen between Corsica’s independence movement and France’s state.