Patrick Devedjian (Պատրիկ Դեւէճեան, 1944–2020) was a French-Armenian lawyer and politician, remembered as one of the most prominent figures of the French right in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Over a long career, he served as a minister, deputy, and regional leader, while remaining engaged with his Armenian heritage and supportive of Armenian causes.
Early Life and Armenian Heritage
Patrick Devedjian was born on August 26, 1944, in Fontainebleau, France, into an Armenian family that had survived the tragedies of the early 20th century. Growing up in postwar France, he was influenced both by French republican ideals and the history of the Armenian diaspora.
He studied law at the Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II), later becoming a lawyer at the Paris bar. His legal background prepared him for the political career that would define his life.
Political Career
Devedjian’s political engagement began during his student years. Initially involved with far-right student movements, he later moved firmly into the center-right mainstream, joining the Rally for the Republic (RPR) and later the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP).
He was elected Deputy to the French National Assembly in 1986, representing Hauts-de-Seine, a position he would hold for multiple terms. He also served as Mayor of Antony (1983–2002), where he became known for his local governance and urban development initiatives.
Ministerial Responsibilities
Devedjian entered national government under President Jacques Chirac and later worked closely with Nicolas Sarkozy.
- Minister of Industry (2002–2004): He oversaw France’s industrial policy, focusing on modernization and competitiveness.
- Minister for the Implementation of the Recovery Plan (2008–2010): During the global financial crisis, he was tasked with coordinating France’s economic recovery measures.
His pragmatic approach earned him recognition as a capable administrator in difficult times.
Leadership in Hauts-de-Seine
From 2007 to 2020, Patrick Devedjian served as President of the General Council (later Departmental Council) of Hauts-de-Seine, one of the wealthiest and most influential regions of France. Under his leadership, the department pursued infrastructure modernization and cultural development projects.
Personal Life and Armenian Identity
Devedjian was proud of his Armenian roots and often spoke about the importance of memory and justice for the Armenian Genocide. He was active in supporting Armenian community organizations in France and maintained ties with Armenia and Artsakh. His dual role as both a French statesman and a representative of the Armenian diaspora gave him a unique position in French political life.
Death and Legacy
Patrick Devedjian passed away on March 29, 2020, at the age of 75, after contracting COVID-19. His death occurred in the early months of the pandemic and was widely reported in France and abroad.
He is remembered as a skilled lawyer, seasoned politician, and influential French-Armenian leader, whose life bridged national politics and the history of the Armenian people.