Pyrénées-Orientales to Vote on Potential Name Change
The Pyrénées-Orientales department in France is holding a public vote from June 22 to August 15 to determine if the region should change its name. According to Departmental Council President Hermeline Malherbe, residents will choose between retaining “Pyrénées-Orientales” or adopting “Pyrénées Catalanes” or “Pyrénées Méditerranée.”
Why is the Pyrénées-Orientales department considering a name change?
The initiative stems from a commitment by Socialist President Hermeline Malherbe to align the department’s identity with the desires of its population. Between November and December 2025, the council conducted a broad consultation regarding the department’s vision for the year 2040. The results showed a clear lean toward regional identity.
According to Malherbe, as reported by actuPerpignan, only 23% of participants wanted to keep the current name. In contrast, 49% expressed a desire for a reference to “Catalanity” in the title, while 17% preferred a reference to the Mediterranean.
What are the three name options for the vote?
Voters must choose from three specific options. These were narrowed down after the council consulted with historians and legal experts to ensure the names would be acceptable to national authorities.
- Pyrénées-Orientales: The current official designation.
- Pyrénées Catalanes: A nod to the region’s strong Catalan cultural roots.
- Pyrénées Méditerranée: A name emphasizing the region’s coastal geography.
Why was “Pays Catalan” rejected?
Many residents pushed for the name “Pays Catalan,” but legal experts advised against it. Malherbe explained to actuPerpignan that the Council of State (Conseil d’État) likely would have rejected the name because it lacked a geographic indicator. To meet legal requirements, the word “Pyrénées” must remain part of the title.
How can residents vote in the name change process?
Participation is limited to individuals registered on the department’s electoral lists. The council has implemented two ways to vote to ensure maximum turnout.
Paper Ballots: The department’s official magazine will be delivered to every mailbox. Residents can fill out the included ballot and return it via mail.
Online Voting: Starting July 1, voters can access the platform lenom66.fr. To ensure security and identity verification, the site requires a connection via France Connect.
What happens after the vote is counted?
The vote is the first step, not the final word. Once the results are in, the Departmental Council will deliberate to officialize the outcome. If a new name wins, the council must submit a formal request to the Council of State.
The Council of State holds the ultimate authority to accept or deny the change. When asked about the timeline for a final decision, Malherbe told actuPerpignan she has “no precise deadline in mind.”
| Preference | Percentage (2025 Survey) | Proposed Vote Option |
|---|---|---|
| Status Quo | 23% | Pyrénées-Orientales |
| Catalan Identity | 49% | Pyrénées Catalanes |
| Mediterranean Identity | 17% | Pyrénées Méditerranée |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to vote?
Only people registered on the electoral lists within the Pyrénées-Orientales department.
When does the voting period end?
The vote closes on August 15.
Does the winning name automatically become official?
No. The result must be deliberated by the Council and then approved by the French Council of State.
Why can’t the department be called “Pays Catalan”?
According to legal experts cited by Hermeline Malherbe, the Council of State requires a geographic indicator, which is why “Pyrénées” must be included.