Former Franche-Comté President Jean-François Humbert Dies
BESANÇON, France – November 20, 2025 – Jean-François Humbert, a prominent figure in french politics and former president of the Franche-comté region, has died, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum. Humbert was known for his staunch republican principles and unwavering opposition to the far-right, a stance that defined his career and continues to resonate in an era of rising extremism.
Humbert’s legacy stems from a pivotal moment in 1998, following a regional election that left his coalition without an absolute majority. Despite securing enough support to govern, he famously refused to accept the backing of the extreme right, a decision that deeply impressed contemporaries and cemented his reputation for integrity. as Jérôme Durain recalled, Humbert “deeply marked people’s minds in 1998 by refusing to govern with the support of the extreme right.” this principled stand, and a subsequent resignation when elected with votes from the National Front (FN, now National Rally), underscored his commitment to republican values.
the incident highlighted Humbert’s firm convictions. He promptly resigned the presidency upon being elected with FN support, a move lauded by the current president of the Franche-Comté region as reflecting his “powerful republican convictions.” He was later re-elected without FN votes, secured through abstention from the left-wing parties. Christine Bouquin, president of the Doubs department, emphasized that Humbert “will remain one of the first political leaders to clearly assert a Republican line refusing any agreement with the extremes.”
Beyond his regional leadership, Humbert served as a Senator from 1998 to 2014. During his time in the Senate, he chaired a commission of inquiry in 2013 focused on the effectiveness of anti-doping measures in sports. His death marks the loss of a dedicated public servant and a political leader remembered for his unwavering principles.
