| Author (Person) | Bower, Helen | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Publisher | ProQuest Information and Learning | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series Title | In Focus | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Series Details | 8.7.03 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Publication Date | 08/07/2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content Type | News, Overview, Topic Guide | In Focus | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Corsican voters have rejected autonomy plans, which would have given the French Mediterranean island's 260,000 inhabitants a new national assembly with tax-raising powers and greater control over public services. In a referendum held on 6 July 2003, 50.98 per cent of Corsicans voted against the plans with only 49.02 per cent supporting them and with 39.5 per cent of voters abstaining. Approval of constitutional amendments by the French Parliament on 17 March 2003, allowing the country's 22 regions and 96 departments to opt for greater autonomy, paved the way for the referendum to take place. After more than 30 years of separatist violence many had expected the majority of Corsicans to opt for the island's autonomy after more than two hundred years of French rule, with a single regional assembly consisting of 81 members to replace the two administrative departments, which have existed since 1973. However the proposed changes were criticised by a large number of state and municipal employees in the island's 360 villages and towns, who feared job losses whilst locally elected mayors felt that they might lose patronage as a result of the reforms. Others feared that the regional assembly would be dominated by separatists, who would seek to totally severe ties with the mainland. Over the past thirty years, the Corsican separatist movement has been responsible for a number of violent attacks all aimed at illustrating their cause but which have in fact killed at least 40 people in the last two years alone and while most Corsicans would like greater autonomy, those who seek complete separation from France are in the minority. The majority of islanders realise that Corsica's economy is heavily dependent on France with about 40% of Corsicans being employed by the French Government in the island's current administration while traditional ways of making a living - fishing or farming - are in steep decline. Tourism, the island's biggest industry, is not enough to sustain the island without support from Paris. However, the islanders hope that the referendum will at least focus the minds of the French government on Corsica's needs and in the long run bring investment in new industries. Yet the result will disappoint the French government, which had campaigned hard for a 'YES' vote, and it could threaten plans to introduce widespread decentralisation across France. Jean-Pierre Raffarin, the French Prime Minister, has been a key advocate of giving more responsibility to the regions despite limited support from the ruling United Popular Movement and he could now face stiffer opposition. Jacques Chirac, who had largely sought to distance himself from the referendum, has nonetheless expressed his regret at the outcome, and warned separatist groups that violence will not be tolerated amid fears of an upsurge in attacks.
Helen Bower Compiled: Tuesday, 8 July 2003 Background and reporting on the week's main stories in the European Union and the wider Europe. |
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| Countries / Regions | France | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
