First a communist, then a socialist, and now a macronist.
The mayor of Clichy-sous-Bois (Seine-Saint-Denis), Olivier Klein, was appointed on Monday to join the government as Minister of Cities and Housing.
A function that falls within his field of expertise since he has been president of the National Agency for Urban Renewal (Anru) since 2017.
His profile also allows Emmanuel Macron to prove that he can still convince part of his left wing to go to the front.
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His arrival in government is not entirely a surprise, however.
La République en Marche had chosen not to present a candidate against him in the 2020 municipal elections. In return, Olivier Klein had included several LREM running mates on his list.
A decision at the time denounced by the PS, which had excluded him in stride.
In October 2021, the city councilor also announced that he supported the head of state for the upcoming presidential election.
“Our neighborhoods are about living together.
Emmanuel Macron is the only possible way for their inhabitants.
Much has been done.
We have to go faster and further”
, he explained then.
His ties with the majority have further strengthened in recent months.
The elected official had notably welcomed Emmanuel Macron to his town, on the eve of the first round of the legislative elections.
Officially came to inaugurate a
"solidarity dojo"
in the presence of judoka Teddy Riner - infrastructure born from the
"5000 land"
plan of the first five-year term - the President of the Republic had especially taken advantage of it to load the Nupes of Jean-Luc Mélenchon a few hours from ballot.
Multiplying the crowds on the spot, the head of state had then displayed his good understanding with the city councilor, flanked by his side throughout the stroll.
Asked, at the end of the trip, about his possible entry into the government, Olivier Klein had swept away, a bit embarrassed at the time:
“We are not there yet”
.
Now, yes.