The Mediator of the French Republic has three major complementary missions:
• To resolve amicably disputes between citizens and government departments or bodies with a public service mission.
• To propose reforms to the government and civil service departments.
• To participate actively in the international promotion of human rights.
The Mediator of the French Republic deals with complaints from citizens about the workings of government offices, provided that they fall within his competence.
If the need arises, the complainant is asked to put together a clear and complete dossier and to approach a deputy or senator, or a delegate of the Mediator of the French Republic.
A dispute?
A concrete problem personally encountered by a citizen in his/her dealings with a public service (excessive slowness, incomplete information, etc), with the exception of disagreements between working civil servants and their government department.
A citizen?
Any physical person or corporate body, regardless of nationality.
A government office?
The central services of the state, local authorities, public institutions or any other body with a public service mission.
Referral?
"Referral" means presenting a complaint to the Mediator of the French Republic. Referral is not direct: the citizen must go through an intermediary, deputy or senator of his/her choice.
If he notices that a service is functioning poorly or that a piece of legislation is inappropriate, the Mediator of the French Republic may propose reforms to the government and improvements to civil service departments.
The Mediator of the French Republic also concentrates on promoting human rights and, more specifically, protecting public freedoms .
