Overview
- The reform centralizes coordination, management and expanded derogation powers in departmental prefects to unify state action at the local level
- A June Senate proposal law on prefect derogations provides the legislative basis for cutting red tape and adapting regulations to local needs
- A plan to merge or suppress about one-third of public operators aims to deliver €2–3 billion in savings by 2027 as France closes a €40 billion budget gap
- Bayrou will table changes to the April 2004 decree in late July’s Council of Ministers before seeking approval from the National Assembly and the Senate
- Health and Education ministries have voiced concerns over loss of regional autonomy, and the reform must overcome internal reservations ahead of its parliamentary debate