The prefectures are very important in France. They represent the State at the local level. They assist citizens by providing numerous public services.
These services include the issuance of official documents such as identity cards. They also include driver's licenses and registration certificates. The prefectures are also responsible for elections.
Main missions of prefectures in France
- Issuance of official documents (identity card, driver's license, registration certificate, etc.)
- Management of elections and electoral processes
- Support for citizens' administrative procedures
- Representation of the State at the local level
- Coordination of public services and government policies
What is a prefecture in France?
The word “prefect” comes from the Latin “praefectus”. It means the one who leads an administration. In 1800, Napoleon Bonaparte created the position of prefect in France. Initially, the prefect represented the State at the department level. Later, with the creation of regions, there were special prefects, the regional prefects.
Origins and history of prefectures
The prefectures were born with the creation of departments in 1790. Napoleon strengthened their role in 1800. At that time, prefects became representatives of the State at the local level.
Role of the prefect as a representative of the State
The prefect represents the State. He works in a department or a region. His role is to implement national and European decisions locally. He also ensures the proper functioning of other institutions.
The missions of the regional prefect
The regional prefect plays a key role for the State in a region. He represents the Prime Minister and the ministers. His role is to ensure the coherence of the State in the region.
He ensures that the actions of the State are designed in harmony. This means they must go in the same direction for the benefit of all.
Guardian of the coherence of the State in the region
The regional prefect ensures that the State's initiatives are well followed locally. He oversees the proper management of the decentralized State services in the region. This allows all actions to go in the same direction.
Responsible for the execution of regional policies
The regional prefect is in charge of implementing the policies decided at the national level. He adapts them to the local context. To do this, he directs the State services under his authority.
Administrative control of the region and its establishments
The regional prefect verifies that the decisions of local authorities and public establishments comply with the law. He also ensures the monitoring of financial aspects, particularly in the Gbêkè region.
| Number of prefects in France | Evolution of female representation | Average duration of assignment |
|---|---|---|
| 125 prefects | About 100 women, or 12% of the total | Almost 3 years on average |
Enhanced powers of the regional prefect
As part of the reform of the territorial administration of the State, the missions of the regional prefect have expanded. This evolution has specified and extended his duties. He occupies an essential position in governing and coordinating public actions in the regions.
Presidency of the Regional Administrative Committee (CAR)
The regional prefect leads the Regional Administrative Committee (CAR), which ensures good governance of the State at the regional level. This committee brings together the main actors of decentralized administration. This promotes improved coordination of public policies locally.
Reform of the territorial administration of the State
The reform of the territorial administration of the State reaffirmed the role of the regional prefect by granting him more authority. Particularly in key sectors such as real estate management and resource pooling. Moreover, he is more involved in the preparation of State-Region project contracts. This evolution aims to make public action more efficient in the regions.
| Enhanced powers of the regional prefect | Details |
|---|---|
| Presidency of the Regional Administrative Committee (CAR) | Governing body of the State at the regional level bringing together the main actors of decentralized administration |
| Reform of the territorial administration of the State | Strengthening the powers of the regional prefect in key areas (real estate strategy, resource pooling, State-Region project contracts) |
Direction of decentralized State services
The regional prefect has a significant responsibility. He directs the decentralized State services in his region. He handles everything except a few specific services such as the regional directorate of public finances or the rectorate. These services gather the majority of State agents, over 95%.
Since 2010, there are only eight regional directorates. They include the DIRECCTE, the DREAL, the DRJSCS, the DRAAF, the DRAC, public finances, the rectorate, and health agencies. The prefects, who represent the State at the local or regional level, are in charge of these services.
The authority of the prefects can be debated as the services communicate directly with the central administration. However, the prefects and sub-prefects remain loyal to the government. They implement its decisions using these decentralized services.
State Strategy in the Region (SER)
After the Regional Administrative Committee (CAR), the prefect defines what is important for the State in the region, called “the State strategy in the region” (SER). This name is vital for the actions taken in the region.
Through the SER, the prefect can choose the major decisions to be made for the State locally. He considers what makes each place unique and the issues to be resolved. This document guides how the State's actions and policies will be implemented in the region.
| Elements of the SER | Description |
|---|---|
| Strategic objectives | Definition of the State's priorities in the region, in line with national orientations |
| Roadmap | Action plan to achieve the set objectives, with monitoring indicators |
| Governance | Methods of steering and coordination with regional actors |
The State strategy in the region is crucial. It coordinates the State's action locally. It unites the State's services under a common project.
Management of State-Region project contracts (CPER)
The regional prefect is at the heart of the action for State-Region Project Contracts (CPER). These contracts set the major investment axes for regional development. They unite the State and the regions to strengthen public investment.
From 2015 to 2020, about 30 billion euros were invested by the State, regions, and local authorities for the CPER. For the period 2021-2027, 28 billion have been dedicated, including 8.6 billion from the recovery plan. This aims to improve ecology, digitalization, promote the economy, and assist populations.
An agreement between the government and the regions promised each 20 billion euros for the CPER. These contracts primarily target six areas, including mobility, education, ecology, and technology. They place a strong emphasis on job creation.
In addition to general actions, the contracts plan solutions for specific problems. This includes measures to limit flooding or protect wildlife such as wolves, bears, and lynxes.
| Key data on CPER 2021-2027 |
|---|
|
The regional prefect has a crucial role. He coordinates the State-Region project contract and the State-Region partnership. These actions aim to improve public investment and the progress of territories.
State real estate strategy and heritage
The regional prefect directs the State real estate strategy in his area. He gives the green light to long-term plans made by the prefects of the departments. His goal is to increase the value of the State's real estate assets.
An important part of his job is to manage the State's real estate. This includes selling properties to reduce the State's debt (program no. 721). It also includes taking care of the State's buildings and land (program no. 723).
The costs for these activities go into a special account. This concerns the State's properties. As well as projects made by public bodies and other partners of the State for its properties.
The data also gathers information on the use of State offices. They help improve the real estate policy. In 2021, the budgets for real estate from the Ministry of the Armed Forces will be clearer. This will facilitate the management of real estate.
The recovery plan sets the rules for choosing which projects to support. It targets, for example, energy-saving works and projects that can quickly yield results. It also includes complex plans and preliminary studies. Projects under 5 million euros, except in Île-de-France, will go before the Regional Conference on Public Real Estate. Those under 8 million in Île-de-France. The larger projects will be discussed at the National Conference on Public Real Estate.
Resource pooling schemes
The reform of the territorial administration assigns regional prefects a key role. They lead the pooling of resources among State services. This aims to improve the use of the administration's resources.
The regional scheme is based on cooperation between the Management Centers (CDG) of the Hauts-de-France region. This cooperation is led by the presidents of the CDGs. It outlines how these services can work better together, particularly for the processing of prefecture requests.
It explains the responsibilities of the coordinating Management Center, the Conference of Presidents, and the Steering Committee. They organize, for example, competitions, manage job offers, and assist employees in their various tasks. They also provide legal support and assistance for retirement.
This schema also covers optional cooperative services like hiring, personnel administration, professional training, and digitization. It includes details about the financial relationships between the managing centers.
The departmental prefect
The departmental prefect represents the Prime Minister and the ministers there. He implements national and European policies in the department. In addition, he manages the State administrations in the department.
Representative of the Prime Minister in the department
Appointed by decree of the president, he acts on the proposal of the Prime Minister. He is the direct link of the government in the department. His role is to apply the national and European policies on the ground.
Implementation of national and European policies
The prefect's task is to carry out the national and European policies. He ensures they function well in the department. To do this, he guides the action of the local State services.
Direction of decentralized services
He supervises all State services in the department, except for a few. As the head of the college of service heads, he ensures the coherence of their actions.
Key attributions of the departmental prefect
The departmental prefect is crucial for maintaining order, security, and protecting people as a representative of the State. He is above the sub-prefects of the district. They help manage each district on his behalf.
Public order, security, and protection of populations
The prefect must ensure that public order and security are respected throughout the department. He supervises rescue teams, police, and firefighters. This helps prevent dangers and protect residents.
Authority over district sub-prefects
On his side, the sub-prefects assist the prefect in each district. They work under his command to ensure the proper functioning of services locally. This ensures that all State actions go in the same direction throughout the department.
Transformation through decentralization
The decentralization has changed the work of prefects in France. Since the 1982 law, the executive power of the prefects belongs to the presidents of departmental councils. Previously, they were called general councils.
Transfer of executive power to departmental councils
Previously, prefects represented the State in the department. They also carried out government actions locally. But everything changed with decentralization.
The role has evolved. Now, actions at the departmental level are carried out by the president of the departmental council. The prefect monitors and coordinates government actions at the local level.
Prefecture in France
In France, prefectures offer important services. They assist people with administrative procedures. They also issue documents such as identity cards and driver's licenses. Thus, prefectures are essential in the lives of the French.
Services to citizens
Prefectures are places where citizens can accomplish several tasks. For example, administrative procedures for civil status or elections. They can also handle driver’s license issues at these locations. This makes access to public services easier.
Administrative procedures
If you need a passport or a driver's license, prefectures assist you. They provide important support for these administrative formalities. Thus, they make these processes simpler for people.
Issuance of official documents
Prefectures issue various types of documents. For example, identity cards, driver's licenses, and registration certificates. They are therefore a pillar of citizens' daily lives.
Organizational chart of a prefecture
A prefecture has a general secretary and a chief of staff. It also has heads of decentralized services. They assist the prefect in his work.
General Secretary
The general secretary leads the various teams in the prefecture. He ensures that everyone works well together. Thus, the actions of the prefecture are effective.
Chief of Staff
The chief of staff works directly with the prefect. He helps choose and achieve the objectives of the prefecture, taking into account the role of the prefect.
He also handles communication, security, and crisis management.
Decentralized services
These services are under the command of the prefecture. They handle regulation, immigration, and other important areas. For example, they deal with relations with cities and the monitoring of government policies.
Conclusion
Prefectures are very important in France. They represent the State at the local level. They offer many services and assistance to the population.
This role is crucial for the State to function well throughout France. Prefectures are well aware of local needs and help implement State policies.
They also assist in everyday life. Such as during elections, to issue official papers. They are essential for the representation of the State locally.
Prefectures are therefore a strong link in making public services closer to the people. They adapt to what society needs. This allows for better construction of our entire country.
FAQ
What is a prefecture in France?
In France, the prefecture is a type of larger town hall. It represents the State locally. Its main job is to manage things like elections and driver's licenses.
It helps people with important administrative procedures, including administrative services in Ain.
What is the origin and history of prefectures in France?
“Prefect” comes from the Latin word “praefectus”, meaning head of administration. Napoleon Bonaparte created the position in 1800 in France. Initially, prefects represented the State at the departmental level.
Over time, their roles have evolved. Now, there are specific prefects for regions.
What is the role of the regional prefect in France?
The regional prefect is responsible for implementing government decisions. He ensures that the State's action in his region is coherent.
He is also responsible for overseeing the administrative management of the region, promoting short circuits for local products.
What are the enhanced powers of the regional prefect?
With a recent reform, the regional prefect has more tasks. He presides over the Regional Administrative Committee. This committee manages the affairs of the State at the regional level.
He also helps define the direction the State takes in the region, with a document called “the State strategy in the region”.
What does the regional prefect do regarding decentralized State services?
The regional prefect supervises the State services in his region. He does this under the direction of the concerned ministers. This does not apply to all services, such as those of public finances.
What is the role of the regional prefect in the State real estate strategy and heritage?
The regional prefect leads the management of the State's real estate in his region. He approves multi-year plans for these properties. His role also includes enhancing these properties.
What is the regional resource pooling scheme?
This is a plan put in place by the regional prefect. It aims to better utilize the resources of the State services. The goal is to optimize the resources, thus the means used, of the administration.
What is the role of the departmental prefect?
The departmental prefect represents the government locally. He implements national and European laws. In doing so, he deals with issues such as security and public order.
He also directs the State services in the department.
How has decentralization transformed the role of prefects?
In 1982, a new law changed things. The powers of prefects were given to departmental councils. This significantly changed the role of prefects, especially concerning rural provinces.
What services do prefectures offer in France?
Prefectures assist citizens in many procedures. They issue important documents such as identity cards. They also help with driver's licenses and registration certificates.
How is a prefecture organized in France?
A prefecture has several leaders, including a general secretary and a chief of staff. They work with the prefects to ensure everything runs smoothly.
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