INAUGURAL INDUCTION CLASS (2021)

Gabrielle Pourchet of Saugeais is an anomaly in the micronational community on many fronts. While maybe not encyclopedic, the biographies of long-serving heads of states for micronations are usually readily available for those willing to do a thorough dive for their early details. For Pourchet, little of her life before moving to Montbenoit in the French Alps at the age of 25 is publicly known. She and her husband moved to the village and began running the Hôtel de l'Abbaye in 1930.

Also notable is that Pourchet is not the founder of the nation she led. From 1947 until 1970, she served in the role of First Lady. Her husband at first was jokingly referred to as the President of Saugeais, something that eventually took on a life of its own and lasted until his death in 1968. The position would remain vacant for two years until she officially became the President for Life at a festival held to raise funds for the preservation of a local abbey.

While nations living past their founder are in the minority, they are not altogether rare; however most never enjoy the same activity or acclaim under a successor. President Pourchet defied this trend and actually further developed the project; Saugeais grew as a culture and presence under her leadership as has arguably never been seen with another successor in the micronational community. Under her guidance, Saugeais grew beyond a niche local oddity into a celebrated part of local customs and culture. She appointed the first government officials and ambassadors. It opened its doors for non-local honorary citizens and established both a national flag and anthem. The region even adopted its own stamps, currency, and traditions.

Saugeais under President Pourchet became a rising star in international spheres, as well. National events were often the focus of news stories. France, the nation from which it was declared, has celebrated Saugeais on multiple occasions, notably with a commemorative stamp in 1987. Owing in no small part to her humble nature and “exemplary lack of affectation,” President Pourchet was beloved by her nation and across the globe in a way few leaders on the world stage enjoy in this day and age.

President Gabrielle Pourchet died in 2005 at the age of 99, when she was succeeded by her daughter Georgette. She guided Saugeais into a premiere project that is still today known and well regarded by the vast majority of the micronational community. She may not enjoy the renown or acclaim of many of the more quirky or flamboyant Heads of State in the field, but her accomplishments across 33 years in an inherited role are truly remarkable and place her at a degree of excellence achieved by few in the field. The fact that she did all of this as a hesitant successor to a role she wasn’t sure she was suited to makes her story only that much more incredible.