All about politics. — All about general news.

Laurent Vallet, head of the INA, has been relieved of his duties by Rachida Dati.

A 55-year-old executive, who recently secured a third term as leader of the National Audiovisual Institute, is under investigation by the police after alleged cocaine purchase worth €600. He was suspended from his position on Tuesday, August 12.

, and ASMedia

2025 August 28 . 11:21 AM

2 min read

Laurent Vallet, head of INA, has been suspended from his position by Rachida Dati.

Laurent Vallet, head of the INA, has been relieved of his duties by Rachida Dati.

Laurent Vallet, CEO of National Audiovisual Institute, Suspended Over Drug Allegations

Laurent Vallet, the CEO of the National Audiovisual Institute (INA), has been suspended from his duties following allegations of drug purchases. The suspension was announced by Culture Minister Rachida Dati on August 12, 2025 [1].

The investigation into Vallet's drug case is ongoing, with no further updates on potential charges or arrests. The drug case involving Vallet was first revealed by the far-right magazine Valeurs actuelles.

Vallet was questioned by police at his home on July 29 regarding the purchase of cocaine worth 600 euros [1]. The Council of Ministers had previously renewed Vallet's position as CEO of the INA in May.

The INA is responsible for archiving and promoting television and radio broadcasts. During Vallet's suspension, an acting president has been appointed to lead the INA, and the archiving and promotion of broadcasts continue as normal.

In a message to the INA's 950 employees, Vallet expressed his commitment to cooperating fully with the authorities during the ongoing investigation [1]. He also emphasized his respect for the institution he has led since 2015, and accepted the suspension as a demonstration of that respect.

The INA's board of directors has not yet announced any plans for an interim CEO during Vallet's suspension. The suspension and the ongoing drug case have caused controversy and criticism within the French cultural and political community, with questions being raised about the institute's governance and accountability.

As of August 15, 2025, the suspension remains active, and no further details have been released about legal proceedings or investigations beyond the suspension itself. Rachida Dati has not yet made a decision regarding Vallet's permanent dismissal from the National Audiovisual Institute.

[1] Source: Le Monde, Aug 13, 2025