The prefect is important in the French administration. He is the head of the State for each department. The President of the Republic chooses him in the Council of Ministers.
He is responsible for the departmental authority. His role in local government is crucial. He implements national policies. He also ensures that regulations and decisions are properly enforced.
The prefect uses his skills and organizes his office. He guides the services that assist citizens. He takes care of public order, security, and looking after people.
He works with a general secretary and others. The decree of April 29, 2004 outlines his tasks and limits. Napoleon created them in 1800. Since then, their mission has changed with decentralization.
Until 1982, prefects did several things. They were the heads of the department for the State and the government. Now, the regional prefect has power over the other prefects in his region. There are a few exceptions.
What is a department prefect?
The word "prefect" comes from the Latin praefectus, which means "placed at the head." A prefect is a high-ranking official. He represents the State and the Government in a department. His delegate in a district is the sub-prefect. Prefects, assisted by sub-prefects, are part of the prefectural body.
These prefects are chosen from those who have attended the ENA. Prefecture agents can also become prefects. But people from the private sector or other administrations can also hold this position. They are appointed by the president, with the agreement of the Council of Ministers.
On average, a prefect stays three years in the department where he works. France has one hundred twenty-five prefects and four hundred fifty-six sub-prefects. The position is gradually becoming feminized. Today, about one hundred women are prefects, of which fifteen are female prefects.
| Year | Number of prefects | Number of sub-prefects | Percentage of female prefects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 125 | 456 | 12% |
The main missions of the prefect
The prefect takes care of public order and security where he works. He is very focused on maintaining peace. When there are problems or demonstrations, he is responsible for calming everyone down. This is done by working with the police and the gendarmerie.
In civil security, he makes plans to protect everyone from dangers. This includes natural hazards, technological risks, and diseases. He also directs rescue operations during accidents and fires, and the firefighters follow him.
The prefect also helps to grow the local economy. He assists in starting businesses and supports those who are struggling. He accompanies efforts made to find housing and employment, and helps people in need.
Sometimes, he must help resolve disputes between groups. He does this by talking with both parties to try to find solutions, while ensuring clear communication with citizens.
The prefect, intermediary between the State and local elected officials
The prefect and the mayors share important tasks in the State. The prefect works for the State and is neutral. Mayors are elected by the citizens.
The prefect manages government policies in his region. However, mayors act for the benefit of their city. They do not have a direct superior like the prefect.
The prefect is an essential link between the State and the mayors. He ensures that laws are properly followed by the cities. Thus, the same rules apply throughout the country.
The prefect, symbol of authority and unity of the State
Prefects began working in 1800 under Napoleon Bonaparte. They are present in the departments in France. A representative of the State is the prefect. He ensures that the laws are the same everywhere in the country. Presidents choose them, and they work for the Ministry of the Interior, Overseas, and Territorial Collectivities.
The prefect maintains public order and oversees the laws. He checks that local authorities also comply with the laws. Even with the change in his tasks due to decentralization, he remains very important. He represents the authority of the State throughout France.
Decentralization has not diminished the role of the prefect. On the contrary, it has evolved with new laws and management methods. He remains crucial for enforcing laws and supporting local government.
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