National Rally Reverses Stance on Corsican Autonomy

The French National Rally (RN) party, once a staunch opponent of Corsican autonomy, has undergone a significant doctrinal shift, now proposing its own counter-project for the island's self-governance. This evolution, influenced by the identitarian movement Mossa Palatina, marks a stark contrast to the party's historical stance, particularly under the leadership of Jean-Marie Le Pen.

In August 1984, Jean-Marie Le Pen vehemently opposed autonomy for Corsica, famously describing the Corsican language as a dialect and warning that an independent Corsica would become a "Soviet aircraft carrier or an Arab colony." The idea that the RN would, by 2026, advocate for Corsican autonomy seemed unimaginable at the time.

Now, as deputies prepare to vote on a constitutional bill aimed at granting autonomy to Corsica on Tuesday, June 23, the RN's new position is poised to influence the political debate. This shift aligns with other political movements, such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon's La France Insoumise (LFI), which has also expressed support for the concept of autonomy, diverging from its previous positions.

The RN's proposed counter-project for Corsican autonomy is expected to play a role in the ongoing discussions, signaling a complex political landscape where long-held doctrines are being re-evaluated in the pursuit of political influence.

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An independent Corsica would become a Soviet aircraft carrier or an Arab colony.