Fabienne Decottignies appointed as new Prefect of Gard

Fabienne Decottignies officially assumed her role as the Prefect of Gard on Monday, August 17, 2026, succeeding Jérôme Bonnet. Appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, she becomes the second woman to hold this position in the department.

An historian by training with a specialization in geography, Decottignies brings extensive experience in crisis management. Her background includes a decade at the General Directorate of Health, where she managed the H1N1 virus, as well as various roles within the Ministry of the Interior involving Civil Security and the Paris Fire Brigade.

Decottignies has emphasized a field-based approach to her new role, stating her intention to engage directly with local citizens, elected officials, and entrepreneurs to understand the territory's diverse needs, ranging from rural areas to the Camargue. She noted that her geographical expertise will assist in managing the department's various risks, including wildfires and heavy rainfall events.