In a speech delivered in Ajaccio, President Emmanuel Macron proposed a historic initiative aimed at recognizing the specificities of Corsica by integrating them into the French Constitution. This proposal, which aims to provide the island with autonomy “neither against the State, nor without the State”, symbolizes an important step in the recognition of the particularities of Corsica within the Republic.
The president expressed his support for the idea of introducing a specific article in the Constitution to recognize the Corsican island community linguistically, culturally and territorially. He stressed that the proposed autonomy should not be seen as a rejection of the central State, but as an opportunity to build the future of Corsica while maintaining a strong commitment on the part of the French State.
The constitutional revision process and the drafting of a constitutional and organic text will be carried out in collaboration with the government and the territorial assembly of Corsica over the next six months. This historic step will require a common desire to excel and responsibility on the part of all parties involved.
Emmanuel Macron’s proposal was greeted with a palpable sense of expectation in Corsica. Local political leaders, both from the Corsican Assembly and the executive, stressed the importance of this initiative to preserve Corsican identity and respond to the aspirations of young people. They also insisted on the importance of being part of the French Republic while guaranteeing real autonomy for the island.
This proposal originated in a period of tension and violence in Corsica, marked by the assassination of independence activist Yvan Colonna in 2022. Discussions initiated between the government and local political leaders resulted in this proposal aimed at easing tensions. and to recognize the specificities of the island.
In conclusion, this proposal to integrate the specificities of Corsica into the French Constitution marks a real turning point in the relationship between Corsica and the central State. It represents an opportunity for Corsica to preserve its identity while being fully integrated into the French Republic. All that now remains is to work together to make this new historic step a reality.