Article L6434-11 of the French General Code of Local Authorities
Honorary membership is conferred by the representative of the State on former territorial councillors of the local authority who have held their elected office for at least fifteen years. Honorary membership may only be refused or withdrawn by the representative of the State if the person concerned has been convicted of an offence entailing ineligibility. Honorary membership is not accompanied by any financial benefit chargeable to the local authority’s budget.