Prefectures in France

Prefectures in France
Name	Prefectures
Category	Administrative division
Territory	French Republic
Start date	17 February 1800
Legislation begin	Law of 28 Pluviôse Year VIII
Current number	101
Government	Prefect
Subdivision	Subprefecture

Prefectures in France. A prefecture is the capital city of a French department, serving as the seat of the prefect, the state's representative. The system was established by Napoleon Bonaparte through the Law of 28 Pluviôse Year VIII in 1800, centralizing state authority. Today, there are 101 prefectures across Metropolitan France and Overseas France, each acting as a key administrative hub for its department.

History and establishment

The prefectural system was created during the Consulate to replace the revolutionary Directory's decentralized structure, aiming to strengthen state control after the French Revolution. Instituted by the Law of 28 Pluviôse Year VIII, its design was influenced by the ancient Roman Empire's provincial administration. The first prefects were appointed directly by Napoleon Bonaparte, with early prefectures established in cities like Lille, Strasbourg, and Marseille. The system survived subsequent regime changes, including the Bourbon Restoration, July Monarchy, and French Fifth Republic, though its functions evolved, particularly with the decentralization laws of the 1980s under President François Mitterrand.

Role and functions

The prefecture serves as the deconcentrated branch of the national government within a department, ensuring the application of laws and national policies. Key responsibilities include maintaining public order, overseeing police forces, managing electoral processes, and issuing official documents like passports and residence permits. Prefectures coordinate state services during emergencies, such as natural disasters or events requiring the national security alert system. They also play a role in local economic development, often working with the regional council and the departmental council.

List of prefectures by region

Each of France's 18 administrative regions contains multiple prefectures. In Île-de-France, the prefecture is Paris, which also serves as the national capital. Other major regional prefectures include Lyon in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Marseille in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and Bordeaux in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. In Overseas France, prefectures are located in territories such as Papeete in French Polynesia and Saint-Denis in Réunion. Notably, some regions, like Corsica, have unique statuses, with its prefecture in Ajaccio.

Prefects and administration

The prefect is a high-ranking civil servant appointed by the Council of Ministers upon proposal by the Minister of the Interior. Historically, figures like Georges-Eugène Haussmann, who later redesigned Paris, served as prefects. The prefect's administration, housed in the prefecture building, includes various departmental directorates for fields like territorial management and public security. The prefect also represents the state in ceremonies and liaises with local mayors, such as the Mayor of Paris, and other elected officials.

Relationship with subprefectures

Within each department, the prefecture oversees subprefectures, located in other important towns known as *chefs-lieux d'arrondissement*. For example, in the Alpes-Maritimes department, the prefecture is in Nice, while Grasse is a subprefecture. Subprefectures, headed by a subprefect, handle localized administrative tasks, easing the burden on the central prefecture and improving accessibility for citizens in areas like Calvados or Finistère. This hierarchical structure ensures state presence across the entire departmental territory.

Symbolism and protocol

The prefecture building is often a significant architectural landmark, such as the Préfecture de Police in Paris or the historic prefecture of the Rhône in Lyon. The French national flag is flown above it, and the prefect uses an official car with a distinctive license plate number. Protocol dictates that the prefect hosts ceremonies for national holidays like Bastille Day and receives visiting dignitaries, embodying the authority of the French Republic. The role is symbolized by the prefect's medal and sash, reflecting its Napoleonic origins.

Category:Subdivisions of France Category:Government of France