Lionel Tivoli is a young engineer who represents well the new wave of the National Front, far from the stereotype of the outdated activist animated only by patriotism. Moreover, he himself is an unwavering supporter of Marine Le Pen, who, in her (likely) future role as National Secretary of this political movement, will replace the patriotic slogans of her predecessor father with a structured analysis that, aside from the content, might have the merit of bringing the debate back to the quality level.
Lionel Tivoli displays these same characteristics, in addition to his astonishing maturity for a young man of 22 years, which is to his credit. The analysis is focused on logic as befits an engineer by training, and moreover, it comes with a calm and thoughtful attitude, as well as an evident competence regarding the subjects discussed. But, as they said at the FN, we are turning the page and this anticipated transition from father to daughter will be more than just a simple transfer of power. This is also happening at the local level, as exemplified by Lionel Tivoli, who agreed to answer a few questions, as did before him Fouzia Ayoub, Anne-Julie Clary, Pascal Condomitti, and Xavier Garcia.
NP: Can you tell us who you are and why you are actively involved in politics?
Lionel Tivoli: At 22, I am a final-year master’s student in computer science, and I also teach management. I became interested in politics very early on, as I joined the National Front in 2006, motivated by love for my people and my nation. I have committed myself alongside Marine Le Pen to promote the values she has made resonate with the French. I am, therefore, keen to raise awareness of the current issues of our country and our city to as many people as possible. Moreover, I note that the French people are waking up and now understand that we are right in our proposals.
NP: What is your analysis of the current political situation?
LT: The economic crisis, unemployment, insecurity, the decline of national education, immigration, and the loss of our identity are all topics that our movement had highlighted, and that our opponents used to demonize us.
Indeed, the economic crisis stems directly from the shortcomings of our political leaders who impose ultra-liberalism and the single currency on us. Today, in France, everything is up for sale, and everything is up for purchase… We are paying the price today!
NP: Insecurity is one of the key terms in the FN’s political propositions…
LT: We have continuously denounced insecurity, just look at the figures that are revealing in the Alpes-Maritimes: an 8.2% increase in sexual violence, an 11.2% increase in burglaries, etc. French people no longer feel safe in their homes, and meanwhile, the government is reducing law enforcement personnel (16,000 police and gendarme positions cut). Where is the coherence?
NP: Another sensitive subject is immigration…
LT: Immigration is an important subject, and linked to the economy, as the permanent immigration flow weighs down on French workers by depressing their wages. We export workers and bring in unemployed… However, I find it important to highlight that I will never blame immigrants for these issues, but rather the incompetent elites who lead us and have led us to this situation.
NP: Your view on local politics and the upcoming electoral deadline, namely the departmental elections in March 2011… Will you be a candidate in the 3rd canton?
LT: From a local perspective, and in preparation for the departmental elections, I have been chosen to run in the 3rd canton of Nice. A nomination that I have of course accepted, being keen to go into the field, to meet the people of Nice to present my project for the canton and the department. I emphasize that the Alpes-Maritimes department has achieved the inglorious first place as the most indebted French department with 942 million euros of debt or 859 euros per inhabitant (with a 26% increase between 2009 and 2010). Besides this, I highlight inconsistencies.
The tramway line 2, which is supposed to pass through rue Arson, one of our last commercial arteries, when we know the havoc that the previous tramway works caused, risks endangering our traders. Launching a project is good, but thinking it through is better!
The Constanzo center, which is going to be destroyed for the benefit of a mass of concrete, which will be moreover the highest in the canton…
The general council should focus its action on equipment, and thus provide additional security to the people of Nice, by installing, for example, surveillance cameras in public transport. Beyond these local problems, the citizens of Nice find themselves confronted with the problems linked to the destructive policy that is imposed on them, there are few days passing without a news item of violence or murder being revealed in our newspapers.
NP: A prognosis for your candidacy…
LT: As for my vision for the departmental elections in the 3rd canton of Nice, it is clear that the people of Nice need a true alternative to the current policy being led, and they will not be mistaken in choosing the candidate. It is in this way that I want to unite the national right, and foresee a second round against the incumbent candidate Jacques Victor.
NP: How do you envision a political future?
LT: My political future will align with the positions entrusted to me. As the departmental secretary of the FNJ, I will continue to channel the dynamic created by the National Front at the national level to derive the best outcomes for our department and our city.
