Political situation

The district of Franches-Montagnes, with Saignelégier as its capital, was already in existence between 1815 and 1978, when the Canton of Jura was under the official authority of Berne. A prefect represented the Bernese Cantonal Authority in the district. This administrative tradition has since disappeared.

With the development of the independent Canton of Jura, the importance of the largest community in the Franches-Montagnes grew exponentially. In fact, Saignelégier has profited from the decentralization recommended by the Jurassic government. In addition to the district tax authority, an attorney general, a police corps and other institutes for the administrative responsibilities of the district, Saignelégier also houses the cantonal office for social security and the cantonal insurance offices for housing and property. The various services assure a generous share of jobs in an area quite removed from the large economic areas in other parts of the canton.