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Alsace heading for increased autonomy

Large majority of Alsatian political representatives approve to propose the establishment of a territorial collectivity and the merger of current region and departments · Reform could give Alsace regulatory, non legislative, powers · A referendum on the proposal will be organized next April

A very large majority (108 votes in favor out of 122), of Alsatian political representatives have approved a resolution that would pave the way for the administrative unification of Alsace and for an increased autonomy. The assembly of the region of Alsace and the departments of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin gave on Sataruday free rein to their merger into one single, new territorial collectivity of Alsace, a kind of subdivision giving slightly more powers than those granted to ordinary regions. One of the main goals stated in the resolution is to assume a "transfer of powers" currently held by the French government.

On the one hand, Alsatian representatives want the model change to take place within the framework of the Law on decentralization that is currently being prepared by the Socialist government. On the other hand, the resolution lists the areas where Alsace wants to assume powers: cross-border cooperation, economy and innovation, education, culture and heritage, management of European funds, language and housing. Similarly, they also call for a "regulatory power" allowing the Alsatian Assembly to adapt French laws.

Until now, the only French territorial collectivity on European soil is Corsica. Its assembly has regulatory (non-legislative) powers. It can request the amendment of French legislation affecting Corsica (but it cannot change laws, this is only done by the French National Assembly) and has also the right to be consulted on bills involving specific provisions for the island.

Alsatian representatives have decided to call a referendum in order to validate the unification of the three administrations. The vote must be held on 7th April.

The resolution has been passed with the affirmative votes of conservative UMP, green Europe Ecology and far right Front National. The Socialists have been divided over the issue -eight voting in favour, five against and nine abstaining. UMP considers that the reform will save money that can be dedicated to social policies. Some Socialists, on the contrary, do not see this as an option and fear that Alsace will get too much self-government.