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Created in 1973, the Mediator of the French Republic is an independent authority, who uses his or her skills free of charge to help citizens improve their relations with the government and public services. Intended for people who are often confused, and who come up against the complexity of the texts and the government, the institution aims to resolve disputes between citizens and the government amicably. In order to carry out his tasks successfully, the Mediator has a network of delegates spread out throughout France. Mr. Jean-Paul DELEVOYE, former Minister of Civil Service, State Reform and Regional Planning, has held this position since 13 April 2004.

The three main tasks of the Mediator of the French Republic

To improve relations between citizens and the government through mediation.

By helping natural or legal persons challenging a decision, behaviour of the French government or a body with a public service mission, he seeks a fair, amicable settlement, on a case-by-case basis, between the two parties. The institution thereby intends to be a bridge, re-establishing trust between constituents and the government.

To propose a general reform of legislative and regulatory texts to the government.

This task causes the Mediator of the French Republic to intervene in the big debates, often by relaying the voices of the most vulnerable.

To act at the international level, promoting human rights, democracy and good governance.

By maintaining close ties with his foreign counterparts, in particular with the mediators of Europe and French-speaking countries, the Mediator of the French Republic participates, in the area of human rights advocacy, in the activities of the National Consultative Commission of Human Rights (NCCHR) and specialized organs of the Council of Europe and the United Nations.

How does one submit an appeal to the Mediator of the French Republic?

Before contacting the Mediator of the French Republic to challenge an administrative decision, the complainant must first approach the service concerned, that is, the complainant must have requested the justifications for its decision. If the complainant believes that this is incorrect or prejudicial to him/her, the complainant may refer the matter to the Institution in two ways:

By contacting a deputy or senator of his/her choice

This person will send the complaint dossier to the Mediator of the French Republic.

By meeting with a delegate of the Mediator of the French Republic

If the issue concerns a decision made by a local government and does not pose a problem of principle, the delegate will handle it him/herself. Otherwise, the delegate will offer to help the complainant to prepare a dossier that will then be sent to the Mediator of the French Republic, through the intermediary of a member of Parliament. It will be handled as explained for the previous case.

(The list of delegates along with their contact details is available at www.mediateur-republique.fr).

The cases in which he does not intervene:

• Private disputes, or disputes between a civil servant and the government for which he/she works;

• A proceeding initiated before a court - which does not prevent him from attempting to mediate at the same time, as long as the court judgment has not been rendered;

• A proceeding initiated before a court for disputes with a foreign government - he then sends the dossier to the Mediator of the country in question.