Jospin: Corsica move is his biggest gamble

There has been nationalist violence on Corsica for more than a quarter of a century, and organised crime is also rife on the island.

A succession of governments in Paris has tried and failed to bring peace.

The socialist leader's ground-breaking plan was drawn up after 18 months of consultations with Corsican leaders, and grants them a limited amount of autonomy.

Legislation would give the local parliament powers to adapt certain French laws, although deputies in Paris would retain a veto.

And, in an important symbolic move, the Corsican language would be taught in the island's schools.

Jean-Pierre Chevenement was so opposed to the plan he resigned from government

But while the legislation is seen by some as a brave attempt to solve one of France's thorniest political problems, it has also raised concerns about the future of the French republic.

Many of those on the political right, and some on the left, believe that granting even limited autonomy to one region would lead to a domino effect in other parts of France.

They also say it would be a reward for violence.

The former interior minister, Jean-Pierre Chevenement, resigned over the issue last year, and the Gaullist President Jacques Chirac tried to stop the legislation from coming to Parliament in its present form.