I. – The General Council of the Banque de France comprises :
1° The Governor and the two Deputy Governors of the Banque de France ;
2° Two members appointed by the President of the National Assembly and two members appointed by the President of the Senate, on the basis of their expertise and professional experience in financial or economic matters;
3° Two members appointed by the Council of Ministers, on the recommendation of the Minister for the Economy, on the basis of their expertise and professional experience in the financial or economic fields;
4° One elected representative of Banque de France employees;
5° The Vice-Chairman of the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution.
The term of office of the members of the General Council mentioned in 1° to 4° is six years, subject to the provisions of the ninth paragraph. They are bound by professional secrecy.
As from 1 January 2009, half of the members referred to in 2° shall be replaced every three years. At the time of each three-yearly renewal, one member shall be appointed by the President of the National Assembly and one member shall be appointed by the President of the Senate.
The members referred to in 2° shall be replaced at least eight days before their term of office expires. If one of these members is unable to complete his or her term of office, he or she shall be replaced immediately in accordance with the conditions set out in the previous paragraph and shall hold office only for the remainder of the term of office of the person he or she replaces.
The functions of the members appointed in application of 2°, 3° and 5° are not exclusive of a professional activity, subject to the agreement of the General Council by a majority of the members other than the person concerned. The General Council shall in particular examine the absence of any conflict of interest and compliance with the principle of the independence of the Banque de France. This absence of conflict of interest requires that members do not hold any position or interest in the service providers referred to in Titles I to V of Book V. These same members may not hold any parliamentary office.
II. – The validity of deliberations is subject to the presence of at least six members.
Decisions are taken by a majority of the members present. In the event of a tie, the Chairman shall have the casting vote.
The General Council may delegate powers to the Governor of the Banque de France, who may sub-delegate them under the conditions set by the General Council.
A Censor, or his alternate, appointed by the Minister for the Economy, attends meetings of the General Council. He may submit proposed decisions to the Board for consideration.
Decisions adopted by the General Meeting are final, unless the non-voting member or his alternate objects.