In France, the President of the General Council (French: Président du conseil général) is the locally-elected head of the General Council, the assembly governing a departments in France. The position is elected by the general councillors from among their number. If there is a tie, the senior Councillor is elected.
The President of the General Council wields police powers. Responsibilities include:
- Chairing the departmental authorities
- Preparing and implementing the council's decisions
- Collecting and spending monies
- Representing the département in legal cases
[edit] History
In 1871, a law was enacted that gave each canton (subdivision of a department) representation of a councillor (Conseiller général).
As a result of the decentralization of government the election criteria were redefined in 1982, and in 1985 the President of the General Council took over executive powers from the centrally-appointed prefect.
[edit] Women Presidents
[edit] Overseas territories
The situation in the overseas territories is different than that in metropolitan France. Generally, these territories are simultaneously departments and regions. The President of the general council may also serve concurrently as President of the Regional Council.
[edit] List of the Presidents of the General councils
[edit] References
[edit] External links
