Born in Corte, Corsica in 1967, Simeoni was exposed to politics from an early age. His father, Edmond Simeoni, was a prominent nationalist leader who fought for Corsican rights and whose activism greatly influenced Gilles. Simeoni embraced his Corsican identity and spoke out against the marginalization of the Corsican people, particularly the issues of language and culture.
Simeoni pursued a career in law and became a lawyer specializing in environmental law. He worked on cases defending the rights of local communities against environmental degradation, which further solidified his commitment to protecting Corsica’s natural resources and the well-being of its people.
In 2010, Simeoni founded the political party “Femu a Corsica” (Let’s Make Corsica) along with like-minded Corsican nationalists. The party’s main focus was to promote the cultural, linguistic, and political rights of Corsica. Simeoni’s vision resonated with many Corsicans, leading to the party’s success in the 2010 regional elections. This marked a significant turning point as Simeoni became the Mayor of Bastia, the second-largest city in Corsica, and held that position until 2014.
Under Simeoni’s leadership, “Femu a Corsica” continued to gain momentum, advocating for greater autonomy for Corsica and pushing for recognition of the Corsican language. The party’s aim was to secure regional independence and establish Corsica as a distinct political entity within France. Simeoni’s charisma and passion for his cause drew support from a wide range of Corsicans, and his popularity only continued to grow.
In 2017, Simeoni achieved his biggest political victory yet. “Femu a Corsica” won a historic majority in the regional elections, allowing Simeoni to take up the position of President of the Executive Council of Corsica. This marked a new era for Corsican politics, with Simeoni at the helm. His election signaled the growing demand for greater autonomy and representation among Corsicans.
As President, Simeoni has prioritized issues such as job creation, socio-economic development, and most importantly, furthering the cause of Corsican autonomy. His administration has implemented policies to support local businesses, protect the environment, and preserve Corsica’s unique cultural heritage.
However, Simeoni’s path has not been smooth sailing. He has faced opposition from the French government, which has been reluctant to grant Corsica the level of autonomy sought by Simeoni and his party. Despite this, Simeoni remains committed to the cause, tirelessly advocating for Corsican rights on both the national and international stages.
Gilles Simeoni’s political journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Corsican people. Through his leadership, he has brought the issues of Corsican identity, language, and autonomy to the forefront of French politics. Simeoni continues to fight for the recognition and empowerment of the Corsican people, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in Corsican politics. Whether his ultimate goal of Corsican independence is achieved or not, Simeoni’s legacy is sure to leave a lasting impact on the political landscape of Corsica.