Criticism Mounts Against the French Economic, Social and Environmental Council
The CESE is under fire following a critical report from the Court of Auditors, citing transparency and effectiveness issues.
Key Points
- • The CESE faces criticism for lack of transparency and poor HR management, according to the Court of Auditors' report.
- • Despite reforms, the CESE struggles to make impactful contributions to civil society.
- • Thierry Beaudet emphasizes the council's importance in a fragmented society.
- • The report critiques practices during the period from 2019 to 2023.
The French Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) is facing intensified scrutiny following a damning report from the Court of Auditors on July 11, 2025. This report reveals numerous shortcomings, primarily highlighting a *lack of transparency* in financial matters and insufficient human resource management practices. The Court of Auditors expressed concern that despite recent reforms intended to bolster its capacity, the CESE has struggled to have a significant impact in voicing civil society's concerns, essential in the current politically fragmented landscape.
The audit covers the period from 2019 to 2023, during which the CESE underwent substantial changes aimed at revitalizing its consultative role per the organic law of January 15, 2021. However, these reforms have not led to the anticipated improvements in the council's societal contributions. Thierry Beaudet, the president of CESE, responded to the report by emphasizing the council's critical role in addressing societal fragmentation and called for the government and parliament to utilize the CESE's insights more effectively in public actions. This criticism raises questions about the efficacy of the CESE's reforms and the broader implications for civil representation within French governance.