Madelin unsuccessfully ran in 1996 for president of the Union for French Democracy (UDF), and was defeated by François Léotard. He was elected as leader of the Parti Républicain, a part of the UDF coalition, which he renamed Démocratie Libérale. In 1998, Démocratie Libérale split from the UDF. Madelin's obtained slightly less than 4% of the vote in the 2002 presidential election and merged his party into the UMP.[4] After 2002, although his former supporter Jean-Pierre Raffarin became Prime minister, and as a result of the end of Démocratie Libérale, Madelin's influence in French national politics dwindled.
Madelin is the French major politician the most in favor of the international policies of the United States, and supported the United States-led 2003 invasion of Iraq.[5] Because of this, he has, in the past, generally been considered with favor by the US press.
He did not seek reelection in the 2007 elections, ending his involvement in partisan politics.
Political career
Governmental functions
Minister of Industry and Tourism : 1986–1988.
Minister of Enterprise and Economic Development, small and medium enterprises, Trade and Crafts : 1993–1995.
Minister of Economy and Finance : May–August 1995 (Resignation).
Electoral mandates
European Parliament
Member of European Parliament: June–November 1989 (Resignation) / 1999–2002 (Resignation). Elected in 1989, reelected in 1999.
National Assembly of France
Member of the National Assembly of France for Ille-et-Vilaine : 1978–1986 (Became minister in 1986) / 1988–1993 (Became minister in 1993) / 1995–2007. Elected in 1978, reelected in 1981, 1986, 1988, 1993, 1997, 2002.