Republic of Saugeais
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| Republic of Saugeais | |
|---|---|
| Unrecognized micronation | |
 | |
| Claimed by | Georges Pourchet |
| Dates claimed | 1947–present |
| Area claimed | 128 square kilometres (49 sq mi) |
| Location | 11 municipalities in the départment of Doubs, France |
The Republic of Saugeais (
History
In 1947, the prefect of the département of Doubs came to Montbenoît to attend an official event. The prefect had lunch in the Hôtel de l'Abbaye in Montbenoît, which was owned by Georges Pourchet. As a joke, Pourchet asked the prefect "Do you have a permit allowing you to enter the Republic of Saugeais?" The prefect asked for details on the mysterious republic, which Pourchet made up on the spot. The prefect responded by appointing Pourchet president of the Free Republic of Saugeais.[1]
Georges Pourchet died in 1968 and his wife Gabrielle initially succeeded as president. She retired in 1970 but remained active in Montbenoît, helping the parish priest to preserve the abbey. To raise funds, a festival was organised in 1972, during which Gabrielle Pourchet was elected President for life by acclamation.
President Gabrielle Pourchet appointed a prime minister, a general secretary, twelve ambassadors and more than 300 honorary citizens. A song written in the Langue Saugette, a
Gabrielle Pourchet died on 31 August 2005, at the age of 99, and her daughter Georgette Bertin-Pourchet succeeded as president.[1]
List of presidents
|
- Georges Pourchet (1947–68)
- Gabrielle Pourchet (1968 – 31 August 2005)
- Georgette Bertin-Pourchet (31 August 2005 – 18 March 2022)
- Simon Marguet (18 March 2022 – present)
References
- ^ a b Lebby Eyres "A Tiny Country between France and Switzerland" Archived 17 March 2021 at the Wayback Machine BBC 12 March 2020.
- ^ "La république du Saugeais" [The Saugeais Republic]. Office du tourisme du canton de Montbenoît. Archived from the original on 27 July 2015. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
External links
- "Sauge", Flags of The World, Five star flags, featuring information on the flag of the republic.
