Ajaccio, Corsica
Corsicans dealt a blow to the French government this week by narrowly defeating a referendum that would have given them more autonomy. Government officials lobbied hard for a yes vote, saying that Corsicans could seize control of their destiny by approving a new regional assembly with expanded powers. French leaders hoped the move would sap support from a small but violent separatist movement on the troubled Mediterranean island. But Corsican nationalists surprised them by backing the new body themselves, and calling it a step toward independence. Many voters said they were left confused, and the government failed to explain why change was needed. “I understood nothing,” one woman said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Make mine a soju and tonic: the rise of Korea's favourite spiritThe Week Recommends The rice-based drink can replace gin or vodka in traditional cocktails for a refreshing twist on the classics
-
The full moon calendar for every monthIn depth When to see the lunar phenomenon every month
-
The end of WeightWatchersTalking Point The diet brand has filed for bankruptcy in the US as it struggles to survive in era of weight-loss jabs
