France, July 13 -- A new study highlights the key role played by mayors in French democracy, and found that these local figures - of which there are almost 35,000 - are by far the elected officials most trusted by the French people.

A key figure in local French life, there are more than three times the number of mayors in France as there are in neighbouring Germany, despite its far larger population, and more than four times more than in Italy.

France's mayors, as the head of each commune's local council, have signifiant powers and responsibilities - including managing the budget and municipal staff and resources, enforcing local laws and regulations, and representing the state at a local level.

The findings of the study,published last...