Jacques Toubon

Jacques Toubon (born 21 June 1941)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> is a French right-wing politician who held several major national and Parisian offices. He served as Defender of Rights, the country's official ombudsman, from 2014 to 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Political career

He was Minister of Culture for 1993–1995;<ref name="Ball1997">Template:Cite book</ref> and Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice : 1995–1997.

He was a Member of European Parliament : 2004–2009, Elected in 2004. He was a Member of the National Assembly for Paris : 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 the 13th arrondissement of Paris : 1983–2001, reelected in 1989, 1995. Councillor of the 13th arrondissement of Paris : 1983–2001, reelected in 1989, 1995.

Controversies

Toubon is known for the controversial so-called Toubon Law, enforcing the use of the French language in official French government publications, and advertisements published in France. Since the law can largely be described as being hostile to the English language, Toubon is sometimes referred to, jokingly, as "Mr. Allgood" ("All Good" being a translation of "Tout bon", a homophone 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 of Évry for alleged misuse of government funds, in which Xavière Tiberi, the wife of then-mayor of Paris Jean Tiberi (from Toubon's party), was involved. However, this was not a full criminal investigation and no investigative magistrate had been named. Davenas then vacationed in the Himalayas. His deputy then announced his decision to open a full investigation. The Rally 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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

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").

Personal life

He was married to art expert Lise Toubon.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

External links

• Former official page Template:Webarchive as Minister of Justice