Article L3221-10-1 of the French General Code of Local Authorities
The president of the departmental council brings actions on behalf of the department by virtue of the decision of the departmental council and may, with the assent of the permanent committee, defend any action brought against the department. He may, by delegation of the departmental council, be charged for the duration of his mandate with instituting legal proceedings in the name of the department or defending the department in proceedings…