Roger Laroque
Roger Laroque | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Nouméa, New Caledonia |
| Died | November 17, 1985 (aged 75) Nouméa, New Caledonia |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, politician |
| Years active | 1937–1985 |
| Known for | Mayor of Nouméa (1953–1985), member of the Territorial Assembly (1972–1984) |
Roger Laroque (5 October 1910 – 17 November 1985) was a prominent businessman and political figure in New Caledonia, holding the mayoralty of Nouméa from 1953 until 1985 and serving in the Territorial Assembly between 1972 and 1984.
Biography
Laroque was born in Nouméa in 1910, the son of Gabriel Laroque, who was both a businessman and a member of the New Caledonian General Council. He pursued his education at La Pérouse College before studying law in Bordeaux. His early career included employment at Crédit Lyonnais in Bordeaux, after which he joined Société Ballande and returned to New Caledonia in 1937. During the Second World War, he enlisted in the French Army in 1944 and came back in 1947 to resume work with Établissements Ballande, ascending to the role of director general by 1956. Additionally, he held leadership positions such as CEO of Chalandage, president of Forges et Chantiers de l'Océanie, and served on the board of the Port Authority.
Laroque began his political journey in 1947 when he was elected to Nouméa City Council on the ticket led by Mayor Henri Sautot. He served as Sautot’s first assistant before succeeding him as mayor following the 1953 elections, a role he maintained until his passing more than three decades later. Known for his strong opposition to independence, he contested the French National Assembly seat in 1968 but was defeated by Rock Pidjot.
In 1972, Laroque secured a seat in the Territorial Assembly representing the South constituency as head of the Democratic and Social Agreement (EDS). After EDS merged with the Rally for Caledonia in 1977, he assumed its presidency. He successfully retained his Assembly seat in both the 1977 and 1979 elections.
Honored with the Legion of Honour, Laroque passed away from a heart attack in Nouméa in November 1985 at age seventy-five. Following his death, he was accorded a state funeral, and a statue commemorating him was unveiled outside Nouméa City Hall the subsequent year.