Senator François-Noël Buffet is tipped to become the Rights Defender, replacing Claire Hédon, whose term of office is coming to an end. An appointment expected in the next few hours which comes as a surprise even within political circles, as his name was not among the frontrunners.
He briefly served as Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Overseas Territories (21/09/2024 to 13/12/2024) and then as Minister to the Minister of State, Minister of the Interior (13/12/2024 to 09/09/2025) in the Barnier and subsequently Bayrou governments.
A recognised legal expert and trained lawyer, he has established himself over the years as a solid and respected figure in the Senate, notably as chair of the Committee on Legal Affairs, where he steered major legislation concerning public freedoms, security and institutional organisation.
Close to local authorities, a former mayor of Oullins, in the Lyon metropolis, he has also been cited several times to run for major executive responsibilities, notably at the head of the Lyon metropolis. His profile had also been mentioned behind the scenes to succeed Gérard Larcher one day as President of the Senate. Ultimately, it is towards a major independent authority that he might turn, following in the footsteps of Jacques Toubon.
If confirmed, this choice would signal the desire to entrust this key institution to an experienced profile, well-versed in legal and political balances, at a time when issues of rights and freedoms occupy a central place in public debate.
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