Presidency of the Regional Councils (France)

Presidency of the Regional Councils (France) refers to the executive leadership of France's 18 regional councils, including the unique territorial collectivity of Corsica. Established following the landmark decentralization laws of the early 1980s, the president is the chief executive of the regional authority. Elected from among its members by the regional council, the president directs the administration, implements council decisions, and represents the region in legal and national affairs. This office is central to the management of significant regional competencies such as transport, secondary education, and economic planning.

History and legal basis

The creation of the presidential office stems directly from the Defferre Acts of 1982, which initiated a major transfer of power from the central government to local authorities. This reform was a pivotal moment in Fifth Republic history, fundamentally altering the administrative landscape previously dominated by the prefect. The legal framework is codified primarily in the Code général des collectivités territoriales, with constitutional recognition provided by the 2003 amendment on the decentralized organization of the French Republic. The Constitutional Council has reinforced this architecture through several key rulings, affirming the regions' autonomous regulatory powers. The evolution of the role has been shaped by subsequent reforms, including the NOTRe Law of 2015, which redefined regional borders and competencies.

Election and term of office

The president is elected by an absolute majority of the regional councilors in a secret ballot, held during the inaugural session following the regional elections. These elections are held every six years, concurrent with the European elections. If no candidate secures a majority in the first two rounds, a third round is held where a plurality suffices. The term of office is six years, coterminous with the council's mandate, with no term limits. The election process is overseen by the council's oldest member serving as interim chair, following protocols established by the Ministry of the Interior. This indirect election mirrors the process used for the departmental councils.

Powers and responsibilities

The president possesses extensive executive authority, preparing and executing the council's budgets and deliberations. Key responsibilities include managing the regional rail network (TER), overseeing the building and maintenance of lycées, and formulating the Regional Economic Development, Innovation and Internationalization Scheme (SRDEII). The president chairs the regional executive board, directs the regional civil service, and represents the region in legal proceedings and before institutions like the European Union. They sign contracts and conventions, notably with the state under the State-Region Plan Contracts (CPER), and have specific powers in areas such as professional training and inter-municipal cooperation.

List of current presidents

Following the 2021 elections, presidents represent a range of political parties. In Île-de-France, the presidency is held by Valérie Pécresse of Libres!. Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is led by Renaud Muselier of Les Républicains. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is presided over by Laurent Wauquiez, also of Les Républicains. In Hauts-de-France, the president is Xavier Bertrand of the UDI. The presidency of the Corsican Assembly is held by Marie-Antoinette Maupertuis of Femu a Corsica. Other notable presidents include Alain Rousset of the Socialist Party in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Carole Delga, also of the Socialist Party, in Occitanie.

Political role and influence

The presidency is a significant political platform, often serving as a springboard for national office or a base for influential political figures. Presidents are key actors in intergovernmental relations, negotiating directly with the Prime Minister's office and ministries in Paris. They wield considerable influence through their control of substantial budgets and their role in shaping regional industrial and research policies. The office allows for the construction of powerful local political strongholds, as seen with figures like Philippe Richert in the former Alsace or Daniel Percheron in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Their collective voice is channeled through associations like France's Regions, which lobbies the national government and the European Commission in Brussels.

Category:Regions of France Category:Local government in France Category:Political office-holders in France