Bockel served as mayor of
Mulhouse from 1989 to 2010. On the right wing of the Socialist Party, he declared himself to be an admirer and strong supporter of the policies of
Tony Blair. In 2006, together with
Christian Blanc and
Alain Lambert, Bockel launched the Committee for the Modernization of France that sought the "comprehensive and coherent" modernization of the French economy and society. In August 2007, Bockel for the first time joined a cabinet under President
Nicolas Sarkozy, arguing that Sarkozy's
UMP was committed to genuine reform while his own party had failed to evolve. He subsequently had to leave the Socialist Party. In November 2007 Bockel announced the formation of a new centre-left political party,
Modern Left (
Gauche Moderne), and used this party as a vehicle to campaign in the
2008 municipal elections for a fourth term as mayor. During his time in the Fillon government, Bockel became an outspoken critic of the
Françafrique idea. He also criticized the "squandering of public funds" by some African regimes. In a
2010 cabinet reshuffle, Bockel was replaced by
Hubert Falco. As a member of the Senate from 2004 to 2007 and again from 2010 to 2014, Bockel represented the
department of Haut-Rhin and served on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense. In this capacity, he notably authored a 2012 report calling on the French government to ban the use of routers and other equipment from
Huawei and
ZTE in French telecommunications networks. In addition to his work in the Senate, Bockel served as member of the French delegation to the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe from 2012 to 2015. In this capacity, he was a member of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy (2012–2015); the Sub-Committee on the Rights of Minorities (2012–2015); and the Sub-Committee on conflict prevention through dialogue and reconciliation (2012–2013). He also participated in the Assembly’s observer mission to the
2014 Tunisian presidential election and later served as the Assembly’s
rapporteur on humanitarian consequences of the threats posed by the terrorist group
Islamic State. Ahead of the
2012 presidential elections, Bockel publicly declared his support for Sarkozy as the Republicans' candidate. In 2022, President Macron appointed Bockel as chair of a commission in charge of "recognition" and "reparations" for the
Harkis, the Muslims who served as civilian auxiliaries in the French army during the
Algerian War (1954-1962). In February 2024, President Macron appointed Bockel as his "personal envoy" to Africa. In November 2024, Jean-Marie Bockel will submit a report to President Emmanuel Macron on the reconfiguration of the French military presence in Africa. The report advocates a “renewed” and “rebuilt” partnership with African countries.
Governmental functions Secretary of State for Prisons and Prison Reform : 2009–2010. Secretary of State for Defense and Veterans : 2008–2009. Secretary of State for Cooperation and Francophony : 2007–2008. Minister of Commerce, Handicrafts and Tourism : February–March 1986. State Secretary to the Minister of Commerce, Handicrafts and Tourism : 1984–1986.
Electoral mandates National Assembly of France Member of the
National Assembly of France for
Haut-Rhin : 1981–1984 (Became secretary of State in 1984) / 1986–1993 / 1997–2002. Elected in 1981, reelected in 1986, 1988, 1997.
Senate of France Senator of
Haut-Rhin : 2004–2007 (Became secretary of State in 2007). Elected in 2004. Reelected in 2008, but he stays minister.
General Council General councillor of
Haut-Rhin : 1982–1989 (Resignation) / 1994–1997 (Resignation). Reelected in 1988, 1994.
Municipal Council Mayor of
Mulhouse : 1989–2010 (Resignation). Reelected in 1995, 2001, 2008. Municipal councillor of
Mulhouse : Since 1989. Reelected in 1995, 2001, 2008.
Agglomeration community Council President of the Agglomeration community of Mulhouse Sud Alsace : Since 2001. Reelected in 2008. Member of the Agglomeration community of Mulhouse Sud Alsace : Since 2001. Reelected in 2008. ==Other activities==