PREFECTS AND THE DECONCENTRATION OF ADMINISTRATION IN FRANCE

Abstract

The theme of administrative deconcentration and bringing the state closer to the citizens is often in vogue during reforms in both developed and transition countries. France is no exception in that regard, and is especially interesting for comparative law analysis due to existing tensions between traditionally strong centralism on one hand and the desire to create effective deconcentration and decentralization. The topic of this article is the French system of prefects as the backbone of deconcentration and their subordinate deconcentrated state services. It is presented through the prism of historical development, current legal regime but also everyday practice. Taking into account the possibility of Serbian law reform in the area of deconcentration, it is surely of importance to have in mind the French model as a source of inspiration.