After three days of debates in the National Assembly, the constitutional bill "for an autonomous Corsica within the Republic" has been amended by several changes. One of the main developments now makes it mandatory to consult Corsican voters on the future status.
A Revised Draft
The paragraph defining the specific characteristics of Corsica has been rewritten. The initial text mentioned "its Mediterranean insularity and its historical, linguistic, cultural community, which has developed a unique bond with its land."
The new version refers to "its Mediterranean insularity and its historical, linguistic, cultural island community, which has developed a unique bond with the Corsican land."
Moving Towards a Consultation
Another important change: the consultation of Corsican voters on the future status. While the initial text stated that voters "may be consulted," it now indicates that they "will be consulted."
Social and Environmental Non-Regression
An amendment adopted at the initiative of left-wing deputies also introduces the principle of non-regression of social and environmental standards applicable in Corsica.
Maintained Normative Power
Several amendments aimed at strengthening government or parliamentary control over future standards adopted by the Collectivity of Corsica were rejected. The principle of a specific normative power therefore remains in the text.
Next Steps
The bill will then need to be examined by the Senate. The new wording making the consultation of Corsican voters mandatory strengthens the prospect of a popular vote on the future autonomy status, the modalities of which remain to be defined.
