Decentralization in France from the 1980s to the present: A study on relations between central government and local administrations

Decentralization reforms in France started in 1982 and were completed in 2018, continuing for thirty-five years in three terms as the "Acte series". In the reforms in which important changes and transformations were experienced, the territorial governments gained important powers, but towards the end of each reform period, especially financial autonomy were taken back by the central government and centralization tendencies increased. Especially the EU regional funds, EU criteria and norms have been influential in the reforms, and therefore the reforms have been shaped by France's EU policies. The main purpose of this study is to examine the decentralization reforms, and to reveal that the reforms are shaped through EU policies. Another aim is to determine that although the powers given to local governments, the central authority's control over local governments has increased, financial autonomy has been restricted and local governors, and thus the tendency towards "recentralization" has begun. In addition, it is also aimed to contribute to the literature with up-to-date information on French decentralization, which is an example for the world's countries, including our country. In this context, there is limited work in the literature on French localization; therefore, the importance of this study also emerges. On the other hand, in order to enrich the study, the beginning of the study was taken back 230 years and the period between 1789 and 1980 was also examined. In this period, decentralization practices had not yet started but interesting municipal management experiences were gained. As for the method of the study, the study is based on qualitative research methodologically, and national and international academic articles, international book chapters and literature review. The scope of the study consists of five parts. In the first part, "conceptual framework, and literature review"; in the second part, "the short history of French local governments" are examined. "1st period in decentralization reforms (1982-2002): abolition of tutelage", in the third part; "2nd period (2002-2012) in decentralization reforms: regions at the forefront", in the fourth part; "3rd period in decentralization reforms (2012-2017): rising of metropolises", in the fifth chapter, are examined. Key words: Decentralization, Deconcentration, Centralization, EU, Reform