Guide To: The Role Of The Mayor In France

The mayor’s role is wide-reaching and it’s important to understand their key responsibilities in French society if you are planning on living there, says Kate McNally

- Kate McNally

The local mayor is a respected figure with a wide remit that comes with plenty of responsibility – or power, depending on how you look at it. French people generally address the mayor as monsieur or madame le maire, showing a deference (or wariness) that is commonly reserved for elected public officials across the spectrum in France. Given that these élus, as they are known, can arguably sway decisions that may at some point affect an individual personally – for example, a large car park development opposite their house – most people maintain a healthy respect.

That said, any local resident of French nationality can stand as mayor and any French or EU-national resident as local councillor, regardless of qualifications, experience or skills. So, as in any democracy, people should feel free to challenge decisions, notably on more complex matters, if they feel it necessary.

ROLE OF THE MAYOR

The mayor is head of the mairie and president of the conseil municipal municipal council (see right), responsible for organising and managing community matters within their municipal territory.

As leader of the local community, the mayor has a wide-reaching role. The mandate includes:

• establishing and managing the local budget.

• setting local tax rates.

• defining and carrying out local economic development projects.

• decisions relating to local schools, for example increasing or reducing the number of classes.

• managing public services in the community, including transport, housing, sports facilities, hygiene, health and social welfare.

• organising cultural activities.

• approving building work applications.

• approving purchases and sales relating to community property or activities.