Politics & Government Guide in Reunion
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions
Réunion is an overseas department and region of France located in the Indian Ocean, governed under French constitutional law with a dual executive structure comprising a French-appointed Prefect and locally elected Departmental and Regional Council presidents. As a French territory, it maintains strong democratic institutions and participates in both French national governance and regional Indian Ocean affairs, with a population of approximately 911,000 as of January 2026.
Democracy Index
Good
Government Type
Overseas department and region of France
Legal System
French civil law system; governed under Article 73 of the French Constitution with laws and regulations applicable as of right
Head of State
President of France Emmanuel Macron(since 2017)
Head of Government
Prefect Patrice Latronsince 2023
Political Indicators
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Full Democracy
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Left-wing
Center-left
Center-right
Voting Rights
French citizens and EU citizens residing in Réunion can vote in local elections. Réunion residents can vote in French national elections and European Parliament elections. Full voting rights apply to French citizens.
Recent Developments
- Cyclone Garance struck Réunion in March 2025, causing significant damage and casualties
- Continued integration into French economic and political frameworks with focus on Indian Ocean regional cooperation
- Active participation in Indian Ocean Commission and Indian Ocean Rim Association multilateral organizations
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