2008 Clio 1.5dCi - weird problem with light switch

[spako]

My wife's Clio started playing up recently - its left control stalk behind the steering wheel developed a weird fault: when the light switch is set to 0 (auto) and one of the indicators is turned on the headlights go on and off when I move the stalk. It also affects wipers - they don't work when indicators are on. It looks like some sort of short circuit to me.

How do I bite this problem?

Should I replace left indicator? Both? Or rather try cleaning connectors first?

How do I remove control stalks on Clio MK3? Do I need to remove the steering wheel?

Any help greatly appreciated.