Four years after the 2021 reform of France's high civil service under Emmanuel Macron, which abolished the prefectural corps, state representatives remain uneasy. The change aimed to open up and diversify the administration, but it still raises fears of an overly broad prefectural role and potential politicization.
In 1800, Napoleon Bonaparte hailed the creation of prefectures, urging: 'Make France date its happiness from the establishment of the prefectures.' Over two centuries later, in 2021, Emmanuel Macron introduced an ambitious reform of France's senior state administration. This led to the abolition of the prefectural corps, as well as diplomatic corps and general inspectorates, such as those for finance or social affairs. The aim was straightforward: to end a 'state nobility' and dismantle a system seen as a 'pension' for top officials, promoting openness, profile diversification, and career mobility.
Four years on, tensions have eased somewhat, but concerns endure among prefects. They fear an excessive broadening of their prefectural duties, a loss of grip on key positions, a challenge to their profession, and even the risk of politicized appointments. 'It's not fully digested yet,' one prefect admits. Another notes: 'You don't improvise as a prefect.' These worries are heightened by the new decentralization act, which amplifies anxieties among state representatives in the regions.
The reform was part of a broader effort to modernize France's high administration, yet it underscores the challenges of shifting toward greater flexibility and openness. Prefects, who have been cornerstones of territorial administration since Napoleonic times, are still adjusting to these structural changes.