The Council of the Order
The Council of the Order is the senior council in charge of all issues concerning the governance of the Institution. An independent body chaired by the Grand Chancellor, its deliberations are confidential and its decisions are submitted to the President of the Republic.
The Legion of Honor and the National Order of Merit each have a council.
The Council of the Order of the Legion of Honor
In its responsibilities and its modus operandi, the Council of the Legion of Honor plays the role of the board of directors of the Order.
Its Role
- After deliberation, the Council of the Order approves or rejects nominations and promotions proposed by the ministers.
- It gives its opinion, before making its proposal to the Grand Master, on any disciplinary sanction to be taken against an honoree.
- It reviews issues regarding the by-laws of the Legion of Honor.
- It ensures that the regulations of the Order and its associated establishments (maisons d’éducation and museum) are observed.
- It approves the budget of the Institution and monitors its implementation.
- Its powers encompass the awards and by-laws of the Military Medal.
Modus Operandi
- The Council holds a plenary meeting once a month in the “Council room” of the Grand Chancery
- It reviews the dossiers for the Legion of Honor, for the Military Medal and for the National Medal of Recognition for victims of terrorism
- Members serve for a renewable four-year term
The Council’s membership
- the Grand Chancellor, president of the Council,
- 16 leading figures proposed by the Grand Chancellor and appointed by the Grand Master.
- 14 dignitaries or Commanders of the order
- 1 Officer
- 1 Knight
Members are chosen to reflect the diversity of French society in all sectors, industry, culture, education, medicine, government, military, trade unions, etc.
Patricia BARBIZET, company President
Bruno COTTE, honorary President of Chamber at the Court of Cassation
Patrice MOLLE, former Prefet
Jean-Paul de GAUDEMAR, former Rector of Academy
Brigitte LEFÈVRE, former dancer Director of the Paris Opera
Anne BOQUET, former regional Prefect
Christine ROUZIOUX, university Professor, hospital Doctor
Sabine BAÏETTO-BESSON, President of Regional Observatory for Real Estate in Ile-de-France
Bernard PÊCHEUR, former President of section at the State Council
Hervé GOMART, General
Bernard-Antoine MORIO de l'ISLE, Admiral
Jean-Marie AURAND, interim Chief Executive Officer of l’Office national des forêts
Sylvie BERMANN, Ambassador of France
Marie-Lucile CALMETTES-BALSAN, President of A tire d'aile
Marie-Aleth GRARD, President of ATD Quart Monde
The Council of the National Order of Merit
It fulfills the same functions as the council of the Legion of Honor, but it is not consulted on budgetary matters.
Modus Operandi
- The Council meets eight times a year
- It reviews the dossiers for the National Order of Merit to French citizens and foreigners
- Members are appointed for a renewable four-year term.
The Council’s membership
- A president: the Grand Chancellor
- 12 qualified members.
- 10 dignitaries and Commanders of the order
- 1 Officer
- 1 Knight
Amin MAALOUF, author, member of the French Academy
Danielle BÉNADON, former Inspector general of sustainable development administration
Dominique LAURENT, former State Councillor, President of the French Anti-Doping Agency
Jean MENDELSON, former Ambassador
Pierre-Etienne BISCH former Prefet, extraordinary State Councillor
Éric HAUTECLOQUE-RAYSZ Major General, managing Director of a public general interest group
Chantal BUSSIÈRE, honorary First President at Appeal Court
Martine BROUSSE, President of the association La voix de l’enfant
José-Alain SAHEL, honorary Professor at Sorbonne Université
Claire LOVISI, university Professor, former Rector
Pascale DUCHÉNOY company President