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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. 

 

Current members 

  • Mrs. Patricia BARBIZET, company President
  • Mr. Bruno COTTE, honorary President of Chamber at the Court of Cassation
  • Mr. Patrice MOLLE, former Prefet
  • Mr. Jean-Paul de GAUDEMAR, former Rector of Academy
  • Mrs. Brigitte LEFÈVRE, former dancer Director of the Paris Opera
  • Mrs. Anne BOQUET, former regional Prefect
  • Mrs. Christine ROUZIOUX, university Professor, hospital Doctor
  • Mrs. Sabine BAÏETTO-BEYSSON, President of Regional Observatory for Real Estate in Ile-de-France
  • Mr. Bernard PÊCHEUR, former President of section at the State Council
  • Mr. Thierry CASPAR-FILLE-LAMBIE, General
  • Mr. Hervé GOMART, General
  • Mr. Jean-Marie AURAND, interim Chief Executive Officer of l’Office national des forêts
  • Mrs. Sylvie BERMANN, Ambassador of France
  • Mr. Jean HAUSERMANN, Vice-Admiral of the Fleet
  • Mrs. Marie-Lucile CALMETTES-BALSAN, President of A tire d'aile
  • Mrs. 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 

 

Current members 

  • Mrs. Danielle BÉNADON, former Inspector general of sustainable development administration
  • Mrs. Dominique LAURENT, former State Councillor, President of the French Anti-Doping Agency
  • Mr. Jean MENDELSON, former Ambassador
  • Mr. Pierre-Etienne BISCH, former Prefet, extraordinary State Councillor
  • Mr. Éric HAUTECLOQUE-RAYSZ, Major General, managing Director of a public general interest group
  • Mr. Jérôme BÉDIER, President of a consulting firm
  • Mrs. Chantal BUSSIÈRE, honorary First President at Appeal Court
  • Mrs. Martine BROUSSE, President of the association La voix de l’enfant
  • Mr. José-Alain SAHEL, honorary Professor at Sorbonne Université
  • Mrs. Claire LOVISI, Professor, former Rector
  • Mrs. Chantal LOÏAL, dancer, choregrapher and founder of a dancer compagny
  • Mrs. Pascale DUCHÉNOY, company President