The CESER (Economic, Social and Environmental Council) is a regional chamber (the second, following the chamber of elected officials) that aims to enlighten, advise, and provide opinions on the decisions of the first chamber. It is a consultative assembly (without decision-making power) composed of representatives from civil society. It is a legal requirement for all regions to accompany their decisions with CESER opinions.
Since January 1, 2024, I have been a member of the CESER of Nouvelle Aquitaine as a qualified person, identified and appointed by the prefect, along with 5 other members.
As it was far from clear to me, I am providing a compact description of the functioning of the CESER. I took notes during this information day.
The CESER of Nouvelle-Aquitaine is composed of 180 advisors, grouped into different “colleges,” according to their representativeness in civil life. The first college (58 members) represents the largest non-salaried businesses and professional activities at the regional level. The second college (58 members) represents employee unions. The third college (also 58 members) represents organizations and associations that participate in community life. Only 6 of us are appointed by the prefect based on our own qualifications (and not on the advice of organizations). It is truly an honor for me to be part of this crucial assembly for regional life. The advisors are also organized transversally into thematic commissions (education, development, environment, economy, social life), as well as transversal commissions (regional finance, evaluation of regional policies, cooperation, communication). The advisors also sit in inter-assembly groups (which is specific to Nouvelle-Aquitaine), composed equally of CESER advisors and regional councilors.
Today, we were presented with our role in this assembly and, above all, the role of the assembly itself, which is often unknown to citizens. At this stage, I do not yet know which commissions I will be able to sit on.
In discovering it, I am genuinely eager to participate in the debates and enlightenment of politics by civil life. Another form of representation, which fits into a longer time frame than that of elections and is an important actor in decentralization.
This year’s schedule is going to be busy, with a dive into regional politics, but what a joy it is to have this profession as a teacher-researcher that allows us to open so many doors!