This visit by Gérald Darmanin to Corsica has one objective: to put an end to the rising protest. Iseparatists have three demands: the investigation into the violent attack on Yvan Colonna, the question of bringing together Corsican prisoners, and, more delicately, the status of the island. Ihe last constitutional reform paved the way for a differentiated status, it was blocked by the Senate in 2018.
VS’It is on this last point, in particular, that the Minister arrives on minefield. Many in Corsica consider that the demonstrators have taken more control in four days than Corsican politicians have done in ten years. Un connoisseur of the file decrypts: “It’s the worst case scenario for Darmanin. He’s going to have to let go of things under pressure.”
In the current situation in Corsica, there is of course the aspect of public order and security. But in principle, Corsica is not particularly managed by the Ministry of the Interior, rather by the local authorities. Et this is perhaps what has been lacking in recent years. Within the government, some think that the Corsican file has been neglected. “Jacqueline Gourault was not present enough on the ground”regrets an adviser. Prime Minister Jean Castex himself has traveled all over France, but in two years has never been to Corsica. “VS’is nevertheless a territory that requires symbolic gestures”regrets a deputy.
Gérald Darmanin is therefore called to the rescue: he is the most political minister. “Ithe term of the president”, slips one of his relatives. To negotiate what? Independence: no, but more autonomy: possible. “IIt will take creativity on the statutes”believes a member of the cabinet, experienced in difficult negotiations.
Gérald Darmanin walks on eggshells. At the top of the state, everyone is worried about a possible spiral of violence and the risk of bloodshed. Because, as one elected official reminds us: “The difference between the ‘Yellow Vests’ and the Corsican rioters is that in Corsica they are armed and they are not afraid to shoot at the police.”