[1] In parliament, he was a member of the "Socialist, Radical, Citizen and Miscellaneous Left" (SRC) political group and served on the Finance Committee.

During his brief term as minister, Martin put off plans for France's transition towards less carbon-intensive energy sources until 2014.

[2] In 2014, as part of a wider effort to deter poachers and traffickers, Martin publicly destroyed a stock of about three tons of confiscated ivory from the tusks of African elephants, making France the first European country to take such a step.

[3] Shortly after, in an effort to protect the citizens of Paris against pollution triggered by an exceptionally warm spring, he ordered a 20 kilometer-hour reduction of the speed limits, made parking free in the city and diverted large trucks from the city.

[5] On 1 July 2012, Martin asked French restaurateurs and wine merchants to stop selling Californian wines in protest against the entry into force of a California law prohibiting the sale of foie gras on grounds of animal welfare.