Born in 1947 in Charenton-le-Pont, Alain Lipietz moved from an engineering education at the École polytechnique and École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées into a multi-faceted career as an economist, civil engineer, and French politician. His professional life spans decades of work in research, environmental theory, and active involvement in European and municipal governance.
Economic Research and Academic Career
After graduating in 1971, Lipietz spent the early part of his career in transportation research. Between 1973 and 1999, he was affiliated with the Centre d'études prospectives d'économie – Mathématiques appliquées à la planification. His academic trajectory included a research director role at the CNRS from 1988 to 2002. He contributed significantly to the Regulation school of economic thought, while also focusing on environmental policy and regional development through numerous publications.
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Lipietz served two terms as a member of the European Parliament, representing the Green Party from 1999 to 2009 in Brussels and Strasbourg. He became the national spokesperson for the French Green Party in 1997. In 2001, he secured the party nomination for the 2002 French presidential elections after winning 50 percent of the primary votes. His candidacy faced challenges regarding his stances on Corsican separatism and the Mont Blanc Tunnel, leading the party to replace him with Noël Mamère in October 2001.
Litigation Against the French State and SNCF
In 2006, Lipietz and his sister, Hélène, successfully sued the French government for the deportation of family members to the Drancy camp during World War II. The Administrative Court ordered reparations of 61,000 euros. While the government accepted the ruling, the national railway, SNCF, contested the decision on appeal. The appellate court subsequently determined that the railway entity fell outside the jurisdiction of that specific administrative body.
Local Government and Current Status
In 2014, Lipietz entered local politics in Villejuif, eventually becoming a vice-president of the Agglomeration of Val de Bièvre. His involvement in a coalition with right-wing candidates led to his suspension from the French Green Party in March 2014. Despite this, he continues to serve as an elected councillor in the majority coalition within the Paris southern suburbs.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947, Charenton-le-Pont
- Citizenship: France
- Education: École polytechnique; École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées
- European Parliament Tenure: 1999-2009
- Primary Political Affiliation: French Green Party
- Professional Titles: Engineer, economist, politician
- Key Legal Case: Lipietz v. SNCF (2006)
Questions readers ask
Did Alain Lipietz run for President of France?
Yes, he was nominated by the French Green Party in 2001 for the 2002 election but was replaced by Noël Mamère before the final vote.
Why was Alain Lipietz suspended from the Green Party?
His local political coalition in Villejuif with right-wing candidates in 2014 conflicted with national party policy.
Achievements
- Educated at École polytechnique and École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées
- Worked as economist, politician and civil engineer
