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PoliticsFrench left-wing lawmakers challenge Macron's nominee for Defender of Rights François-Noël Buffet
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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.
Source report
Senator (The Republicans) of Rhône François-Noël Buffet, with the president of the Law Commission, Florent Boudié, before his hearing by the Law Commission at the National Assembly in Paris on July 15, 2026. JULIEN MUGUET FOR "LE MONDE"
"After being a man of power, will you become a man of counter-power?" This question was posed by Hervé Saulignac, deputy (Socialist Party, PS) of Ardèche, to François-Noël Buffet, senator (The Republicans, LR) of Rhône. Buffet has been proposed by President Emmanuel Macron for the highly sensitive position of Defender of Rights, replacing Claire Hédon, whose six-year, non-renewable term ends on Tuesday, July 21.
Validation Process
For the nomination to be validated, it must pass through the Law Commissions of both the National Assembly and the Senate, which hold a right of veto provided a three-fifths majority is gathered against the candidacy. On Wednesday morning, July 15, François-Noël Buffet appeared before the deputies for his hearing.
Heated Exchange with Left-Wing Opposition
The senator was fully aware that the exercise would be complicated. He was not disappointed, particularly by the virulence of the left-wing opposition. The candidacy of this 62-year-old former lawyer faced a barrage of criticism from approximately sixty associations and unions, including:
- Oxfam France
- Médecins du Monde
- SOS Racisme
- The Family Planning Association
- Inter-LGBT
These organizations published a statement denouncing the candidacy as "incompatible with the values of the institution" of the Defender of Rights. They also warned about the political career of a man "marked by several positions contrary to fundamental rights and the values that the Defender of Rights is tasked with promoting."
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Source
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Western
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François-Noël Buffet's Candidacy for Defender of Rights Challenged by Left During Parliamentary Hearing