The Republic of Saugeais celebrates 50 years of honorary citizens
- Olivier Martinez
- il y a 6 jours
- 2 min de lecture
Montbenoît (Doubs), October 5, 2025 — The Republic of Saugeais, one of the oldest European micronations known for its humorous and heritage traditions, celebrated the 50th edition of Honorary Citizens' Day this Sunday.
This ceremony, established in 1975, has become over the decades a must-see event for the extended Saugetese family. Every first Sunday in October, several hundred guests gather at Montbenoît Abbey, at the war memorial, and then in a banquet hall to attend the inductions and share a unique moment of conviviality.
In 2025, the event brought together nearly 500 people in Gilley, in a solemn yet festive atmosphere. It was before this impressive gathering that eight personalities joined the prestigious list of honorary citizens of Saugeais, which already numbered 535 before this anniversary edition. Among them:
Lilian Renaud, a singer revealed by The Voice in 2015, who was welcomed as a matter of course by the public;
Jean-François Maillot, Lisa Mota, Michel Onimus, and Nicolas Garro, commander of the Pontarlier gendarmerie;
Marcel Pochard, former collaborator of Edgar Faure, elevated to the rank of Ambassador of Saugeais.
These new inductions join a long line that already includes well-known names such as Edgar Faure, Bernadette Chirac, Michel Vautrot and Annie Genevard.
To mark the exceptional nature of this 50th edition, the President of the Republic of Saugeais, Simon Marguet, invited three sovereigns from micronations with which the Saugeais region shares long-standing ties of friendship: His Majesty Emperor Olivier of Angyalistan, HSH Prince Jean-Pierre IV of Aigues-Mortes, and HSH Prince Vincent I of Hélianthis.
Their presence was hailed as a sign of friendship between the Saugeais region and the micronational community, reinforcing the idea that micronations, whether born from a joke or a more recent cultural project, share a common taste for creativity, heritage, and conviviality.
The ceremony included a religious service at the abbey, a tribute at the war memorial, and the formal presentation of honorary citizenship diplomas and insignia. Finally, a convivial meal brought together several hundred guests to enjoy local specialties.
In his speeches, President Simon Marguet recalled the importance of this distinction, which began as a joke but has over time become a true institution rooted in the heritage of the Haut-Doubs. Several speeches emphasized the human and identity dimension that the Saugeais region represents, far beyond folklore.
Created in 1947 following a joke between hotelier Georges Pourchet and the prefect of Doubs, the Republic of Saugeais covers 11 municipalities and brings together a strong local identity. Its founding humor has transformed into a true cultural and tourist attraction, making Saugeais a unique territory. With this 2025 edition, the Republic has proven that it remains more vibrant than ever while remaining anchored in its traditions. It undoubtedly embodies the soul of a territory wishing to preserve its values and authenticity.
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