Opposition mounts against Buffet's Ombudsman nomination
Civil society and 150,000 petition signers oppose Buffet's Ombudsman nomination over his rights voting record.
Event / Politics
France Defender of Rights Nomination
Parliamentary committees voted on Emmanuel Macron's nomination of François-Noël Buffet as Defender of Rights, succeeding Claire Hédon. The nomination faced opposition from civil society organizations and left-wing politicians over Buffet's past positions on social issues, with over 150,000 signatures in a petition against his appointment. Buffet testified about evolving on key issues and pledged independence in the role.
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2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 21 Jul, 11:31 UTC
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What happened
Senate expected to support Buffet's nomination
Senate leadership, including President Gérard Larcher, was expected to support François-Noël Buffet's candidacy. Right-wing and centrist groups, which dominate the upper chamber, were anticipated to provide substantial support for his nomination.
Online petition against Buffet's nomination reaches 150,000 signatures
A petition urging Emmanuel Macron to make a nomination worthy of the Defender of Rights position accumulated more than 150,000 signatures in opposition to François-Noël Buffet's candidacy.
Buffet testifies he has evolved on social issues
During his parliamentary audition, François-Noël Buffet stated he has 'evolved' on several issues and promised 'total independence' in the Ombudsman role. Regarding same-sex marriage, he acknowledged that circumstances have changed since his earlier doubts about consequences, while maintaining his commitment to republican values and individual liberty.
Civil society organizations protest Buffet's nomination as Ombudsman
Approximately 60 civil society organizations, including Aides, Sidaction, SOS Racisme, Greenpeace France, Médecins du monde, Oxfam France, the Planning familial, and Inter-LGBT, publicly opposed Buffet's nomination. They deployed a banner in the Luxembourg Gardens reading 'Defender of Rights, stop the democratic collapse' and issued joint statements characterizing his nomination as incompatible with the institution's values.
Government official defends Buffet nomination citing precedent
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez defended the nomination on France Inter and RMC, arguing that a politician's past career has limited bearing on performance as Defender of Rights. He cited Jacques Toubon, a trusted figure of former President Jacques Chirac and right-wing politician, as an example of a highly effective Defender of Rights.
Parliamentary committees vote on Buffet's candidacy for Ombudsman
French parliamentary commissions from both the National Assembly and Senate held hearings and votes on François-Noël Buffet's nomination as Defender of Rights on July 21. The National Assembly commission had previously auditioned him on July 15. Vote results were expected around 1 p.m.
Emmanuel Macron proposes Senator François-Noël Buffet for Ombudsman position
French President Emmanuel Macron proposed Republican Senator François-Noël Buffet to succeed Claire Hédon as Defender of Rights (Défenseur des droits). Buffet, a former minister and lawyer from Lyon, was nominated to fill the six-year non-renewable term vacated by Hédon.
Left-wing politicians criticize Buffet's voting record on rights issues
During parliamentary hearings, left-wing deputies criticized François-Noël Buffet's past positions, including his opposition to same-sex marriage legalization in 2013, his votes against extending assisted reproductive technology access in 2020-2021, his support for restricting medical aid for undocumented immigrants, and his abstention on constitutionalizing abortion rights. Deputy Andy Kerbrat specifically accused him of 'racist and homophobic votes.'
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2 alternative perspectives
Macron nominates Senator Buffet as France's next Ombudsman
Macron nominates Senator Buffet for Ombudsman, Senate support anticipated.