Paris – 16.06.2026: The French parliamentary committee responsible for constitutional matters is examining today a bill that is expected to grant Corsica an extended autonomy status within the Republic. This initiative follows previous discussions and political actions aimed at addressing the specific needs and cultural identity of the island.
The bill provides that Corsica will have the possibility to adapt certain laws and regulations to local realities. This would offer the island greater flexibility in the application of national laws in order to better respond to its unique challenges and particularities. However, the precise form of these adaptation powers is the subject of intense debate within the political landscape.
Gilles Simeoni, president of the Corsican Executive Council, has repeatedly expressed his support for the bill. He emphasized that a rejection of the text by Parliament would be considered “a form of denial of the democratic expression of the Corsicans.” Simeoni expressed hope for a “positive response” and assured that in the event of refusal, the struggle “would continue.”
Political support for the bill is, however, not unanimous. Within the governing coalition, opinions differ regarding the extent and control of future powers. While some parties, including Renaissance, Horizons, and MoDem, support the text, others, such as the Republicans, are skeptical about the proposed changes. The Socialist Party as well as some Green and overseas deputies have also shown their support, while La France Insoumise abstained.
The bill has already been adopted in the law committee by 20 votes to 6, with 6 abstentions. This stage is considered a preparation for the debate in the plenary session of the National Assembly, scheduled for June 16, 2026. If the text is adopted by the Assembly, it will still require approval from the Senate, probably in September or October. Subsequently, the bill will need to be approved by three-fifths of parliamentarians gathered in Congress to come into effect.
Discussions about Corsican autonomy are not new. Already in March 2025, a Senate report on the future institutional development of Corsica was rejected due to deep political divergences. These disagreements reflect the complexity and sensitivity of the subject, which touches both national and regional interests.
Today’s session of the parliamentary committee is therefore considered crucial for the next steps of the legislative process. The outcomes of these deliberations could decisively determine whether Corsica will soon obtain an extended autonomous status within the French Republic.
For more information and updates on the progress of this legislative procedure, it is recommended to follow the official communications of the French National Assembly as well as the press conferences of the Corsican Executive Council.