Corsican mobilization planned for October 17

A mobilization planned for October 17 will have its echo in Corsica, with 17 organizations inviting people to join a demonstration scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m., departing from Ajaccio station and heading towards the prefecture.

Initiative led by activists

The initiative was started by several activists who wanted Corsica to take part in a day marked by youth mobilization and various professional sectors. Thomas Santoni, president of Corsica Palestina and member of Inseme a Manca, stated it was unthinkable that Corsica would be the only region that organized nothing.

Issues driving the mobilization

The signatories noted that reasons for contestation present at the national level also find an echo on the island, including issues such as a lack of teachers, poorly paid teachers, high school students with uncertain future prospects, and old buildings. These issues are compounded by the high cost of living and economic difficulties linked to insularity.

Economic challenges in Corsica

Corsica is described as the poorest region in France, and these factors have an impact. The mobilization is against the high cost of living and precariousness, with organizers emphasizing that precariousness is very strong on the island, where people have difficulty finishing the month. Insularity increases these difficulties.

Historical context of resistance

Corsica is historically an island of resistance, having fought against fascism and the far right, and this history is carried in the current mobilization. The organizations aim to converge different demands within a single movement, noting that student mobilizations have highlighted various problems, but did not arise from nowhere.

Converging struggles for change

Previous mobilizations such as the yellow vests, dockers, and farmers are mentioned. The goal is to converge struggles, as the organizers believe that to overthrow the government and end destructive, ultra-capitalist and ultra-authoritarian policies, all sectors of society must unite. There is also pedagogy in this approach, emphasizing that all struggles are linked.

Long-term goals and political engagement

Organizers hope the mobilization will last beyond Saturday's gathering, recognizing that the demonstration, while strong at the national level, may not be enough to have their demands heard. They hope the movement will continue over time and that the organizations mobilized can continue to fight together. Additionally, the president of the Senate's Law Committee is set to hear Corsican elected officials.