French lower house supports granting Corsica autonomous status

France's National Assembly has approved in a first reading a constitutional amendment that would grant the Mediterranean island of Corsica autonomous status.

Some 271 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill, while 202 opposed it during a vote in the lower chamber of parliament, Caliber.Az reports per French media. 

The proposed amendment would formally recognize Corsica's special status within the French Republic, allowing local authorities to adapt certain national laws and establish regulations tailored to the island's specific needs.

The bill also seeks to define Corsica in the constitution as an "island, historical, linguistic and cultural community" with a "special connection to the Corsican land."

The legislation is expected to be examined by the Senate in the autumn. To become law, the constitutional amendment must be approved by both chambers of parliament in identical form and then secure a two-thirds majority vote during a joint session of parliament in Versailles.

By Sabina Mammadli