What is devolution?
Devolution in Brittany is now at the heart of the Yes Breizh project.
The political situation in France puts us all at risk, whether in economic, environmental, cultural or social terms. Yes Breizh, a movement, not a political party, is calling on everyone in Brittany to support a process of devolution of powers to Brittany.
Devolution is more than just a word; it is a process that will have a major impact on the future of Brittany.
But what else?
For several decades, the debate on Brittany's institutional future has often revolved around two terms: autonomy and independence. One seems too overused, the other too divisive. Yes Breizh proposes that we prefer a word that brings people together, a word that opens up a realistic and constructive perspective: devolution. This term, borrowed from the British experience, refers to the transfer of powers from a central state to a nation or region. For Brittany, it's a question of building a real capacity to decide on its future, within a clear and peaceful democratic framework, without falling into trapped debates.
Origin and meaning of the word «devolution»
The word devolution comes from the Latin devolvere, In French law, devolution refers to the transfer of a right or charge, as in succession or inheritance. In French law, devolution refers to the transfer of a right or charge, as in succession or inheritance. Applied to politics, it takes on a broader meaning: the transfer of powers from central government to a local or national authority. It is not a sudden break, but a gradual, negotiated process. It is this meaning that came to the fore in the United Kingdom at the end of the XXᵉ century.
The British model
In 1997, the United Kingdom undertook a major constitutional reform: the devolution of power. It has given Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland extensive powers in areas such as health, education, agriculture, culture and the economy.
- Scotland : creation of the Scottish Parliament and a government in Edinburgh. The Scots now have very extensive powers, including fiscal powers.
- Wales : Establishment of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) and a government in Cardiff, whose powers were extended over time.
- Northern Ireland : a more complex system, based on the sharing of power between communities, but also illustrating the logic of devolution.
An assessment after more than 25 years: Devolution has enabled these nations to strengthen their democracy, adapt their public policies to their realities and give institutional visibility to their national identity. Admittedly, there are tensions, particularly in Scotland over the question of independence, but this does not mean that the United Kingdom has exploded.
Devolution, autonomy, independence: clarifying the terms
To avoid confusion, it is essential to distinguish between three concepts:
- Autonomy : greater, but limited, local power, which remains dependent on the central state.
- Independence : full sovereignty, the creation of a separate state with its own diplomacy, army and currency.
- Devolution : a gradual, step-by-step process that transfers specific skills to a nation.
It can lead to very broad autonomy, or even independence if the people so decide, but it does not require a choice to be made in advance. This is why Yes Breizh prefers this word: it's clear, pragmatic, unifying and forward-looking.
Why devolution for Brittany?
Brittany has been under the weight of French centralism for centuries. Its institutions were abolished in 1789, its voice reduced to that of a mere «region», and its resources often controlled from Paris. The result: political under-representation, ridiculously low budgets, lagging infrastructure and a persistent disregard for its culture and language. Yet Brittany has many assets: a young, skilled population, an economy open to the world, and a strong, inclusive culture. Devolution would enable Brittany to regain control of its decisions, manage its priorities and invest according to its real needs.
Key areas for devolution in Brittany
- Health and social work : hospital organisation, prevention policy, support for carers.
- Education and culture : adapted programmes, promotion of Breton and Gallo, artistic and scientific development, teaching the History of Brittany.
- Economy and taxation : tax collection in Brittany for Brittany, support for SMEs, innovation strategy.
- Energy and the environment : steering offshore wind farms, energy transition, coastal protection and sustainable development.
- Agriculture and fisheries : adapting European policies to the realities of Brittany.
- Housing and development : combating speculation, regulating second homes and investing in social housing.
- Transport and infrastructure : modernisation of the rail network, interconnections between cities, ports and airports.
- Political representation : creation of an Assembly of Brittany and an executive accountable to the citizens.
Obstacles and objections
Too small... in terms of surface area?
At 34,000 km², Brittany is larger than Belgium (30,688 km²), Slovenia (20,273 km²) and only slightly smaller than the Netherlands (41,543 km²). Many prosperous states are smaller.
Too small in terms of population?
Brittany has a population of nearly 5 million, as many as Slovakia, Ireland or New Zealand, and many more than Croatia, Slovenia or the Baltic States. These nations are independent and viable, some of them members of the EU. It would never occur to anyone to question their status.
The German Länder model
The comparison is even more striking in Germany. Länder such as Saarland (population 990,000) and Bremen (population 680,000) have parliaments, governments and extensive powers. Brittany, with its 5 million inhabitants, therefore has greater legitimacy than several German Länder.
👉 So Brittany is neither too small nor too poor.
It has simply been deprived of its levers for action.
A democratic and progressive process
Devolution in Brittany can only be achieved if the people of Brittany so wish. This presupposes an open debate, followed by a democratic vote, such as a referendum. This is the ambition of Yes Breizh.
A realistic timetable could be set for 2032, with clear milestones:
- Opening of a public and media debate.
- Consultative referendum in Brittany.
- Constitutional review in France.
- Elections for an Assembly of Brittany and installation of a responsible executive.
This gradual process will help to avoid sudden breaks and build a new relationship of trust between Brittany and France.
Published in English by Nation Cymru
Devolution in Brittany and a shared future
Devolution in Brittany does not imply a break with central government. It allows links to be redefined on an equitable and respectful basis. Paris would retain certain sovereign powers (diplomacy, army, currency), while Brittany would manage the bulk of social and economic issues.
At the same time, Brittany could strengthen its position in Europe and the world: direct relations with Ireland, Scotland and Wales, opening up to the Atlantic and the Celtic Sea, active participation in European regional networks.
Devolution: a word, a project, a new-found confidence
Devolution in Brittany is not a slogan. It's a tried and tested political tool that has already proved its worth elsewhere. For Brittany, devolution represents an historic opportunity to regain control of its destiny, to build a fairer and more efficient society, and to give confidence to future generations. Neither vague autonomy nor immediate independence: devolution sets out a clear, democratic and progressive path. A path that allows Brittany to finally take control of its own future, while remaining open to the rest of the world.
This is the ambition of Yes Breizh.
Beyond the current political divisions, which are completely outdated.
Devolution in Brittany is therefore not an abstraction, but a concrete response to today's economic, cultural and social challenges.
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