Corsica autonomy move advances in French parliament
Reform would grant self-government powers while keeping the island fully within the French Republic
Corsica has a long history of a separatist, independence movements
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France has taken a significant step towards granting Corsica an autonomous status – a longstanding demand by many politicians from the island.
MPs have come to a compromise over the wording of a constitutional reform bill that had already cleared the Assemblée nationale's laws committee earlier this month. A full chamber vote on the text is now expected on June 23-24.
The proposal would create an unprecedented arrangement: it would inscribe in the French Constitution autonomy for Corsica – a form of self-government – while at the same time keeping the island fully within the French Republic.
No other French department or region has a status comparable to this.
The agreement marks progress after years of debate over how Corsica's unique circumstances should be recognised.
The bill focuses on acknowledging Corsica's distinct characteristics, including its insular nature, history, language and culture, as well as its particular relationship with its land.
Supporters argue that equality within France does not necessarily require uniformity and that the island needs greater flexibility to address local issues more effectively.
Under the proposed reform, Corsica would gain limited powers to adapt certain laws and regulations to local conditions and potentially establish rules in areas such as waste management, urban planning and housing.
However, strict limits would remain: the reform would not affect French sovereignty, the constitutional principle of the indivisibility of the Republic, or the status of French as the Republic's official language.
The proposal must pass a demanding constitutional process, including approval at national parliamentary level and subsequently by both chambers sitting jointly, where a three-fifths majority would be required.
Brittany is closely following the Corsican debate
The debate has also highlighted shifting political positions.
Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a candidate for the 2027 presidential election, was previously more cautious or critical of Corsican autonomy but now appears more supportive.
His shift reflects broader political changes, with autonomy increasingly framed not as a path towards separation but as a way to recognise local identity and improve governance while keeping Corsica firmly within France.
Critics, however, continue to warn that such a model could encourage similar demands from other regions and reshape traditional ideas of French national unity.
Indeed, regional movements in places such as Brittany, Alsace and the French Basque Country are closely following the Corsican debate.
Some regional leaders see it as an opportunity to push for stronger decentralisation, more powers for local authorities, or greater recognition of regional identities and languages.
In March 2026, Paul Molac, MP for Morbihan's fourth constituency, announced the creation of a new political movement called Faisons Bretagne. It was formally launched on 18 April 2026 in Rostrenen (Côtes-d'Armor) and aims to bring together those who support greater regional autonomy for Brittany.
Mr Molac has been advocating for years for how Brittany would benefit from this, arguing that decisions taken at national level are often inconsistent and that regional self-governance would allow local issues to be addressed more quickly and effectively.
Calls for special status ongoing for many years
The ‘Corsican question’ has deep historical roots, having resurfaced periodically over many decades.
The island already benefits from several special measures and nationalist parties have grown steadily from a militant fringe into the dominant political force since winning elections in 2015.
These comprise a mix of ‘autonomists’ and ‘independentists’ (who want Corsica to become a sovereign country).
While Corsica is treated as one of France’s regions, it is already governed differently from the rest of the country.
In 2018, the former region and two departments were merged into a single authority, the Collectivité de Corse.
Councillors are elected to the assembly, which in turn appoints an executive council that acts as a mini-government with limited powers.
