Patrick Ollier
Patrick Ollier | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 17, 1944 |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Known for | Mayor of Rueil-Malmaison; President of the National Assembly (2007) |
Patrick Ollier (; born 17 December 1944) is a French political figure currently serving as the Mayor of Rueil-Malmaison. He represented Hautes-Alpes's 2nd constituency in the National Assembly from 1988 until 2002, then served as deputy for Hauts-de-Seine's 7th constituency from 2002 to 2017, affiliating first with the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) and later with The Republicans. In 2007, Ollier briefly held the role of President of the National Assembly. He is in a partnership with Michèle Alliot-Marie, who previously held the position of Minister for Foreign and European Affairs during François Fillon's tenure as Prime Minister.
Ollier was elected on 16 June 2002 to represent Hauts-de-Seine, a department near Paris, and chaired the National Assembly Committee focused on Economic Affairs, Environment, and Territorial Development. His legislative interests include promoting renewable energy projects and fostering relations with African nations, notably leading the French-Libyan parliamentary friendship group.
On 14 January 2007, Ollier declared his candidacy to succeed Jean-Louis Debré as President of the National Assembly. Running unopposed due to an opposition boycott, he was elected on 7 March 2007. Although he wished to maintain this presidency post-2007 legislative elections, the UMP parliamentary group chose Bernard Accoyer as his successor on 26 June.
Private life
Patrick Ollier is partnered with Michèle Alliot-Marie, who served as France’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs between 2010 and 2011. Additionally, he holds honorary membership in the Rotary Club of Rueil Malmaison and occupies a public service role.
Public life
Ollier holds the office of Mayor in Rueil Malmaison, an affluent suburb located near Paris. His political career also includes serving as a deputy in the National Assembly and briefly assuming its presidency in 2007.
Parliamentary work
Drawing inspiration from General de Gaulle’s social doctrines, Ollier introduced the concept of the "Work’s dividend," which influenced governmental policies and parliamentary proposals.
Renewable energy
In 2005, Ollier put forward what became known as the "Ollier Amendment," aiming to increase the minimum wind farm capacity eligible for automatic electricity purchase by EDF from 12MW to 30MW, while also limiting wind farm construction to specific zones. Due to resistance from environmental organizations, this amendment was eventually withdrawn.
SRU Law
- Ollier persistently sought revisions to the SRU law (solidarity and urban renewal) enacted in 2000, targeting a reduction in the compulsory social housing rate of 20% imposed on municipalities.
- Early in 2006, an amendment co-drafted by Ollier and Gérard Hamel was passed by the National Assembly that permitted certain real estate developments to qualify as social housing; however, this amendment was subsequently rejected by the Senate.
- On 30 May 2006, Ollier again proposed changes opposing the enforcement of the 20% social housing quota affecting approximately 740 municipalities.
Africa
- As head of Parliament’s France-Libya friendship group, Ollier made several official visits to Libya representing both the Élysée Palace and Quai d'Orsay. His connections with Arab governments, particularly with General Muammar Gaddafi, attracted media attention in 2011.
- Allegations surfaced accusing him of facilitating arms transactions between France and Libya.
- Sources indicate that he supported Elf’s efforts to establish a facility in Nigeria.
- During the Clearstream affair 2, his name appeared in connection with a 2004 meeting among French officials that referenced his "excessive ties" with Arab nations. Nevertheless, his name did not appear on any forged Clearstream documents. Ollier pursued legal action as a civil party in this matter.
Official stances
Patrick Ollier was a vocal opponent of the petition against the PACS and the 2000 legislation concerning voluntary termination of pregnancy ("IVG"). Additionally, he declined to acknowledge 19 March 1962 as the official National Day of Remembrance for victims of the Algerian War and associated conflicts.
In 2006, Ollier played an active role in endorsing the privatization of the French gas enterprise Gaz de France and its subsequent consolidation with Suez, resulting in the creation of GDF Suez.
Political trajectory
Roles within government
- Minister responsible for Relations with Parliament: 2010–2012.
Elected offices
National Assembly of France
- President of the National Assembly of France: March to June 2007.
- Vice President of the National Assembly of France: 1998–2002.
- Deputy representing Hauts-de-Seine's 7th constituency: 2002–2010 (succeeded by Éric Berdoati upon ministerial appointment), and from 2012 onward. Reelected in both 2007 and 2012.
- Deputy for Hautes-Alpes' 2nd constituency: 1988–2002. Reelected in 1993 and 1997.
- Chair of the Economic Affairs Committee: 2009–2010.
- Chair of the Economic Affairs, Environment and Territory Committee: 2002–2009.
General Council
- General councillor for Hautes-Alpes: 1992–2001 (resigned). Reelected in 1998.
Municipal Council
- President of the Métropole du Grand Paris Council: since 2016.
- Mayor of Rueil-Malmaison: from 2004 to present. Reelected in 2008 and again in 2014.
- Deputy mayor of Rueil-Malmaison: 1983–1989 and later from 2001 to 2004.
- Municipal councillor in Rueil-Malmaison: served from 1983 to 1989 and resumed service since 2001. Reelected in both 2001, 2008, and 2014.
- Mayor of La Salle les Alpes: held office from 1989 until 2001. Reelected in 1995.
- Municipal councillor for La Salle les Alpes: served from 1989 to 2001. Reelected in 1995.