council of europe local government council I called out France Pursue decentralization, clarify the division of powers between state and subnational authorities, and strengthen protection for mayors.
Based on the report of Bryony Rudkin (UK, left, SOC/G/PD) and Matija Kovac (Serbia, Republican Party, EPP/CCE), who visited in 2023 to monitor the implementation of the European Regional Self-Charter. Adopting the recommendations – the Government and Parliament will implement France's planned decentralization reforms, the general provisions on the powers enjoyed by local authorities, the ratification of the Additional Protocol to the French Charter on the right to participate in the affairs of local governments, and the implementation of France's planned decentralization reforms in Paris in 2019. the granting of special status to the Charter, and the frequent reference to the Charter in legal proceedings regarding municipal or regional governance.
The report highlighted certain points that deserve particular attention, in particular the incomplete decentralization mentioned in the Auditor General's 2023 Annual Public Report. Unclear distribution of power. Over-regulation of the powers delegated to local authorities, and the gradual reduction of local taxes leading to an over-concentration of local government funds.
According to the report, local governments lack proportionate funding from central government and are increasingly reliant on grants and contract funding, with consultation mechanisms primarily focusing on transferring central government initiatives, plans and regulations to local governments. It is said that it is used as a means to inform the public. They also expressed concern about the increasing threats and attacks on mayors and local elected officials from society at large, often via social networks, which threaten democratic local governance. National authorities needed to strengthen legal protection for mayors and extend the statute of limitations for criminal cases.
Parliament called for pushing forward with recently announced decentralization reforms, avoiding overregulation and clarifying the separation of powers. Fiscal autonomy should be strengthened, and the costs of exercising delegated powers should be regularly reviewed to ensure adequate funding. It also highlighted the importance of reducing local governments' dependence on contractual funding and central transfers, while introducing genuine consultation mechanisms.
The debate was followed by an exchange of views with Dominique Fauré, France's Minister for Local Government and Rural Affairs, who participated in a roundtable commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Parliament.
