Olano began in politics at the age of fifteen in 1980 when he became a member of the youth organization, Euzko Gaztedi of the PNV (Basque Nationalist Party).

From 1996 to 2000, he was a member of the Gipuzko Buru Batzar (PNV provincial party executive for Gipuzkoa), with responsibility for the area of Euskara, Education and Culture.

In 2000 he was appointed member of the Euzkadi Buru Batzar of the PNV which was at that time chaired by Xabier Arzalluz.

[1][2] The Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa Management Plan 2007-2011[3] sets out the general guidelines of the actions to be taken by Markel Olano for the 2007-2011 legislature.

On June 23, Olano was elected President of the Provincial Council with the votes of the PNV and the PSE-EE, with which he formed a coalition government.