Alongside all these professional politicians, veterans of countless battles, territory barons, illustrious names, résumés as long as an arm and as thick as a book, this election allows us to discover and introduce someone with the least credentials of all: an 18-year-old girl who has just reached voting age and whose political résumé is… a blank page.
But, she has an immeasurable merit: she represents the youth who wants to take their future into their own hands, who does not shirk their responsibilities, and does not let the old hands write the future while looking in the rearview mirror.
Her name might not mean anything to you: she is Clémence Emi. Student and judoka.
Nice Premium: You have just turned 18, the voting age, and you are already a candidate… Can you introduce yourself to our readers and explain your passion for politics?
Clémence: It’s not really a passion yet… I was sort of born into it with mom (Nathalie Audin). And right now, there is a great risk of seeing the FN win. I play sports, and sports bring us the values of liberty, equality, fraternity—quite the opposite of hatred for others. I am here with Christophe Castaner against the FN.
NP: Since when have you been involved in political life? Have you been involved in other elections in the school environment, or is this your first experience?
Clémence: I have always been interested in politics, but not so much in its workings.
NP:You are also a promising young French judoka, resident at INSEP. How do you plan to reconcile political and sports activities?
Clémence: Very well. My priorities are my studies and judo, but when it comes to defending republican values, I am always present.
NP: What do your family members and friends think of your decision to run as a candidate? Have they changed their view of you?
Clémence: My mom is very proud, my dad a bit less so, but no one discouraged me. I am fortunate to have parents who respect who I am. I think it is important for young people to express themselves, and I thank Patrick Allemand for allowing me to do so. It amuses my friends… and at the same time, I think they are rather interested.
NP: Imagine being in a position of power for a moment: what are the situations you would like to change and in which direction?
Clémence: I would like more equality. I can’t stand poverty in this otherwise wealthy country. I think that all this poverty in such a rich world perhaps explains a number of things.
