The French Parliament officially approved the appointment of Les Républicains (LR) Senator François-Noël Buffet as Defender of Rights on Tuesday, July 21. Nominated by President Emmanuel Macron, he will succeed Claire Hédon, whose six-year term is coming to an end. The Defender of Rights is an independent administrative authority responsible for safeguarding citizens’ rights and freedoms.
His appointment was confirmed following a vote by the Law Committees of both the National Assembly and the Senate, in accordance with Article 13 of the French Constitution. François-Noël Buffet received 43 votes in favor and 39 against, securing the parliamentary approval required for his nomination.
The decision, however, sparked considerable debate before the vote. Several human rights organizations, trade unions, and civil society groups voiced concerns over the senator’s political background, arguing that some of his previous positions on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and civil liberties could raise questions about the impartiality expected of the institution. A petition opposing his appointment also gathered more than 100,000 signatures.
During his parliamentary hearing, François-Noël Buffet pledged to carry out his new responsibilities with complete independence and impartiality. A trained lawyer and former chairman of the Senate Law Committee, he stated that his priority would be to protect the fundamental rights of all citizens without distinction.
Established in 2011, the Defender of Rights plays a vital role in France’s democratic system. The institution is responsible for combating discrimination, protecting children’s rights, ensuring ethical conduct by law enforcement agencies, and defending citizens in their dealings with public administrations. François-Noël Buffet’s term will therefore be closely watched, particularly at a time when the protection of fundamental rights and public freedoms remains a major issue in France.
