The cumul des mandats (literally: "accumulation of mandates") is the French equivalent of the dual mandate in other countries. It is a political practice particularly common in France, in comparison to other Western countries. It consists of holding two or more elective offices at different levels of government — local, regional, national and European — as mayors, MPs, senators, Members of the European Parliament, and President of the General Council in their home regions. Sometimes, officials hold as many as four positions. While officials may not be elected to more than one office at the same level (such as being both an MP and a senator), they may hold offices in any combination at the municipal, departmental, regional, national and European levels.
The cumul des mandats is controversial in France, being accused of fostering absenteeism and cronyism.
Read more about Cumul Des Mandats: Conditions Regarding Multiple Mandates in France, Purpose and Frequency, Recent and Current Status of cumul in The French Government
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