François-Noël Buffet's Candidacy for Defender of Rights Challenged by Left During Parliamentary Hearing
François-Noël Buffet, a Les Républicains senator proposed by President Emmanuel Macron for the position of Defender of Rights, faced heavy criticism from left-wing deputies during his hearing before the National Assembly's Law Commission on July 15, 2026. The nomination, which requires approval from both the National Assembly and Senate Law Commissions with a possible veto by three-fifths majority, has drawn opposition from over sixty associations and unions including Oxfam France, Médecins du Monde, SOS Racisme, and Inter-LGBT. Critics cite Buffet's past positions, including participation in protests against marriage equality and opposition to constitutionalizing abortion rights, as incompatible with the values of the Defender of Rights institution. The hearing was notably contentious, with Socialist deputy Hervé Saulignac questioning whether Buffet could transition from a 'man of power' to a 'man of counter-power.' Buffet would replace Claire Hédon, whose six-year non-renewable term ends July 21.
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