This week we take you to Brussels, where we meet a young woman committed to the European project, Lucie Rousselle.
As political adviser to European Commissioner Didier Reynders and municipal councillor in Ixelles, she tells us about her daily commitment to the citizens of Brussels and to the Jeunes MR.
Lucie, you are running for Europe alongside Sophie Wilmès. What are your favourite topics, your battles?
At Didier Reynders' cabinet, I am responsible for consumer protection files, and therefore for preparing and negotiating European “laws” in this area. It's fascinating, because these are subjects that affect all of us in everyday life. In recent years, for example, we have had new laws passed to ban greenwashing and planned obsolescence, to make repairs cheaper, or to protect you in the digital world.
Besides your candidacy, you are a member of the Jeunes MR and a municipal councillor. What do you think young people bring to the table?
Before becoming a municipal councillor, I spent 5 years as a councillor at the CPAS of Ixelles. And Ixelles has a particularly young population, with a large number of students. Whether in social matters or more generally, I find it hugely important for political representatives to stay close to the problems faced by the people they represent, and that was true in my case. Having studied at ULB, worked student jobs for over 10 years, and then started my professional career in Ixelles, I knew what I was talking about!
What advice would you give to those who want to get involved in politics?
Never lose sight of the values that matter to you. To me, that's the most important thing for staying credible with your voters.
A little touristy question, a place you'd recommend to our readers?
Place Fernand Cocq in Ixelles and its surroundings are full of hidden gems: the Tulipant is my go-to spot, but I'd also recommend Bogaert, a little Italian restaurant tucked away on Rue Keyenveld, a tiny street where Audrey Hepburn was born!