May 26, 2021 - French Institute, Florence, Italy.
"France dates its happiness from the establishment of prefectures. Napoleon Bonaparte relied on the solid and lasting foundation of two institutions that still exist today in France and Italy: the Corps Préfectoral and the Civil Code. The prefectural institution is more of a crossroads than a link in a chain: dialogue with the citizens, the decentralised institutions and implementation of the impetus given by the government. If the Civil Code remains the basis for the organisation of relations in society, it is because it has been able to evolve and adapt to changes by enshrining unity, equality and individual freedom in law.
