Marine Brenier is the regional head of the Youth in the Alpes-Maritimes. At 25 years old, the young woman defends the values of the City of Nice under the banner of the UMP, alongside deputy-mayor Christian Estrosi.
With a few months left before the presidential election, Marine Brenier reveals the reasons for her political engagement and affirms her support for President Nicolas Sarkozy.
“Nicolas Sarkozy’s candidacy in the 2007 presidential election prompted me to join the UMP”. This is how Marine Brenier, regional head of the Youth in the Alpes-Maritimes, got into the cauldron of French politics.
This pretty brunette with a shy smile, who just turned 25, passionately defends her values within the City of Nice. Delighted to work under the orders of Christian Estrosi, she doesn’t shy from praising her mentor: “He embodies a certain political sense to which I am very attached. He has always maintained a great closeness with the people of Nice. […] He is present on all topics and does not exclude any segment of the population (sic)”.
“Sarkozy kept his promises”
The image Marine Brenier has of the deputy-mayor of Nice stands in stark contrast to Nicolas Sarkozy’s reputation. The head of state is regularly criticized for his alleged indifference towards the middle class.
A jurist by training, the young woman nonetheless acts as the devil’s advocate: “During his term, Nicolas Sarkozy promised reforms. He kept his promises, particularly with retirement reforms and the autonomy of universities. But the crisis slowed down the pace of reforms”.
Then she shares this anecdote: “In 2007, the youth delegation of the UMP06 went to the Zénith in Paris for a gathering with all the young people of France, around Nicolas Sarkozy and Martin Solveig. We traveled by sleeper train. And for two days, we slept very little. It was cold. It was raining. For me, it was a memorable moment of the campaign”.
Nice, a passion… like sports!
That being said, Marine Brenier’s political obligations do not prevent her from remembering that she is also a young woman, like anyone else. Her passion? “It’s my city, she says. Before questioning, not without a hint of humor: Is that chauvinistic? But how can one not love Nice?”
A sports enthusiast, she is pleased with the French women’s football team’s performance during the 2011 World Cup in Germany: “It is obvious that the girls have restored the tricoleur’s reputation (since the Knysna mutiny, a year ago). This team has proven that French football—as well as sports in general—is not just about star power. I congratulate them”. Despite their losses against the United States (1-3), then against Sweden (1-2), Bruno Bini’s team will appreciate the encouragements of a true supporter.
