A decree issued on February 25 slightly modifies the composition of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) in Paris. ATD Quart Monde returns to it, while Les Amis de la Terre are removed and plan to appeal to the Council of State. These changes come ahead of the new mandate from May to 2031.
On February 25, the French executive adopted a decree, published the next day in the Official Journal, which makes minor adjustments to the composition of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), located at the Palais d’Iéna in Paris. This assembly, which acts as a voice for organized civil society and a forum for citizen participation, retains the framework from the 2021 reform. It still has 175 members divided into four categories: 52 representatives of employees, 52 from businesses, farmers, artisans, liberal professions, mutuals, cooperatives and consular chambers, 45 for social and territorial cohesion as well as associative life, and 26 for the protection of nature and the environment.
Notable changes include the return of ATD Quart Monde to the institution after a period of absence. However, Les Amis de la Terre are excluded, a move that has sparked their outrage. The environmental association has stated its plan to challenge this removal before the Council of State. These modifications occur in preparation for the upcoming mandate, starting in May and running until 2031. Meanwhile, the succession of outgoing president Thierry Beaudet has been underway for several weeks, with at least one declared candidate.
Overall, stability prevails, with only limited adjustments redistributing seats among organizations. The CESE thus continues to reflect the balance among various actors in French society, without major structural upheaval.
