Max Simeoni (video): honouring the Corsican legacy of self-determination of the small nations
Tribute to Max Simeoni
Max Simeoni was a Corsican politician who championed the nationalist movement in Corsica and throughout Europe. Alongside his brother Edmond, Simeoni is widely regarded as the father of the modern Corsican national movement, having founded the first autonomist organization, Action Regionaliste Corse, in 1970. He played a pivotal role as one of the founding members of the European Free Alliance, advocating for the cause of self-determination on the European stage.
The pioneering efforts of his generation marked the beginning of a trajectory that saw the Corsican national movement evolve into the predominant political force on the island, culminating in an absolute majority in the Corsican elections of 2017. This positioned Corsican national demands prominently on the French political agenda, thereby bolstering similar stateless national movements across Europe in their struggle for cultural, social, and linguistic rights against nationalist states.
Moreover, Simeoni’s leadership helped internationalize the movement for minority rights and nationalism, facilitating the representation of stateless nations in European institutions during his tenure as a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994. He served as an inspiration for other regional political parties striving for recognition within the European Union.
Max Simeoni is remembered as a humanitarian, patriot, and dedicated advocate for the political liberation of the Corsican people and national minorities at large. He paved the way for political forces advocating autonomy and self-determination, and his ideas will endure in future generations, reaffirming the values of diversity and recognition. His legacy in championing the rights of national minorities and stateless regions is enshrined in the mission of the Coppieters Foundation.
In recognition of his contributions, the Coppieters Foundation jointly organized an event with the European Free Alliance in October 2023 to honor his memory. Additionally, the Foundation published a video featuring speeches by the President of the Coppieters Foundation, Antonia Luciani, and other key political figures who worked alongside him.