New consultation phase announced

The French Government has started a new phase of consultation to address the deadlock in Corsica's autonomy process, following the Senate's rejection of a constitutional bill. The Government aims to continue the four-year effort to grant Corsica a formal autonomy status through an organic law that would define its legislative and regulatory powers, while respecting the island's unique characteristics and republican values.

Strategic committee meeting planned

Françoise Gatel, the minister in charge, will convene a "strategic committee" at the Hôtel de Roquelaure in Paris. This meeting will bring together Corsican elected officials, including parliamentarians, the president of the Executive Council, and representatives from various political and administrative groups. The goal is to discuss how to move forward with the autonomy process.

Parliamentary group meetings to follow

After the strategic committee meeting, the Government plans to hold discussions with leaders of parliamentary groups. These meetings will help gather positions and assess the conditions needed to achieve a parliamentary consensus on the autonomy issue. The Government may also facilitate direct talks between parliamentary group representatives and Corsican officials if both sides agree.

Reintroduction of constitutional bill planned

The Government intends to reintroduce the constitutional bill into the parliamentary process, as allowed by Article 89 of the French Constitution. However, the exact text of the bill and the Corsican representatives involved in the discussions have yet to be determined. This step is a crucial part of the renewed consultation process.

Autonomist movement sets conditions

On Wednesday evening, Femu a Corsica, a major autonomist organization, held an emergency meeting in Corte. They confirmed their rejection of the Senate's version of the bill and set clear conditions for their participation in the process. This decision will be a key topic during an extraordinary session of the Corsican Assembly, scheduled for November 4, before the next round of negotiations with the French government.