Valérie Delnaud was appointed director of France’s National School for the Judiciary (ENM) at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, November 4, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced. She succeeds Nathalie Roret, a lawyer who took charge of the Bordeaux-based institution in 2020. Delnaud’s appointment brings a magistrate back to the school’s leadership.
Delnaud, 64, was previously director of civil affairs and the seal, where she oversaw work on civil-law legislation and regulation. After starting her career as a primary school teacher, she joined the judiciary in the late 1990s. Her roles have included investigating judge in Paris, head of the Rouen tribunal and president of the Colmar Court of Appeal. She also served as chief of staff to then-Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti.
In her new role, Delnaud will lead a reform of the ENM sought by Darmanin. The minister said the changes are intended to strengthen magistrates’ skills, include a compulsory business placement and make the profession more representative of society, while reinforcing its public-service focus and attention to victims.
Darmanin said on Tuesday that he would implement a report containing 30 proposals to open up the school. Its recommendations include widening eligibility for entrance exams while making the tests themselves more selective. The stated aim is to allow more people to apply while placing greater emphasis on substantive assessment rather than formal criteria.
The report’s author, State Council adviser Charles Touboul, was appointed on Wednesday to replace Delnaud as director of civil affairs and the seal. Darmanin said Touboul would focus on supporting people through different stages of life, strengthening and securing the economy, and aligning civil justice with citizens’ expectations.
Sources: Le Monde Politique.