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Jacques Toubon | |
|---|---|
 Toubon in 2023 | |
| Defender of Rights | |
| In office 17 July 2014 – 16 July 2020 | |
| President | François Hollande Emmanuel Macron |
| Preceded by | Dominique Baudis |
| Succeeded by | Claire Hédon |
| Minister of Culture and Francophonie | |
| In office 30 March 1993 – 11 May 1995 | |
| President | François Mitterrand |
| Prime Minister | Édouard Balladur |
| Preceded by | Jack Lang |
| Succeeded by | Philippe Douste-Blazy |
| Keeper of the Seals,Minister of Justice | |
| In office 18 May 1995 – 2 June 1997 | |
| President | Jacques Chirac |
| Prime Minister | Alain Juppé |
| Preceded by | Pierre Méhaignerie |
| Succeeded by | Élisabeth Guigou |
| Mayor of the13th arrondissement of Paris | |
| In office 13 March 1983 – 18 March 2001 | |
| Preceded by | None |
| Succeeded by | Serge Blisko |
| Member of the European Parliament | |
| In office 20 July 2004 – 13 July 2009 | |
| Constituency | Île-de-France |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1941-06-21)21 June 1941 (age 84) |
| Political party | RPR UMP |
| Spouse | Lise Weiler (died 2021) |
| Alma mater | Sciences Po Lyon École nationale d'administration |
Jacques Toubon (born 21 June 1941)[1] is a French right-wing politician who held several major national and Parisian offices. He served asDefender of Rights, the country's officialombudsman, from 2014 to 2020.[2]
He wasMinister of Culture for 1993–1995;[3]andKeeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice : 1995–1997.
He was a Member ofEuropean Parliament : 2004–2009, Elected in 2004.He was a Member of theNational Assembly forParis : 1981–1993 (became minister in 1993), Elected in 1981, reelected in 1986, 1988, 1993.
He was Deputy-mayor of Paris : 1983–2001, reelected in 1989, 1995.Councillor of Paris : 1983–2008, reelected in 1989, 1995, 2001.Mayor of the13th arrondissement of Paris : 1983–2001, reelected in 1989, 1995.Councillor of the13th arrondissement of Paris : 1983–2001, reelected in 1989, 1995.
Toubon is known for the controversial so-calledToubon Law, enforcing the use of theFrench language in official French government publications, and advertisements published in France. Since the law can largely be described as being hostile to theEnglish language, Toubon is sometimes referred to, jokingly, as "Mr. Allgood" ("All Good" being a translation of "Tout bon", ahomophone of his surname).
He is also known for the "helicopter affair". In 1996, an initial criminal enquiry had been opened by Laurent Davenas, then head prosecutor ofÉvry for alleged misuse of government funds, in whichXavière Tiberi, the wife of then-mayor of ParisJean Tiberi (from Toubon's party), was involved. However, this was not a full criminal investigation and noinvestigative magistrate had been named. Davenas then vacationed in theHimalayas. His deputy then announced his decision to open a full investigation. TheRally for the Republic leaders were frightened by the possible implications of such an investigation, and Toubon, then minister of justice, famously hired a helicopter to fetch Davenas and convince him to rein in his deputy; he refused.[4]
Toubon has been the topic of much lampooning. In addition to "Mr Allgood",Les Guignols de l'info have referred to him as "M. Bouffon" ("Mr Buffoon").
He was married to art expertLise Toubon.[5]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Minister of Culture 1993–1995 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Minister of Justice 1995–1997 | Succeeded by |
