At just 20 years old, Théo Jacque is national vice-president of Jeunes MR, president of Jeunes MR for Greater Liège, an aide to Élisabeth Fraipont, alderwoman for Civil Status, Trade and Citizenship in Liège, and has just been elected municipal councillor in Grâce-Hollogne…
A busy life and a promising career.
In October 2023, you became Vice-President of Jeunes MR. Can you tell us more about the roles of a political youth movement and your part within the organisation?
Indeed, at just 19, I became vice-president of the largest political youth organisation in Wallonia. This role, both enriching and professionally formative, gives me a range of responsibilities, such as the day-to-day management of the non-profit (expenses, human resources) and representing the presidency at events in Wallonia and Brussels.
The roles of a political youth movement are varied: getting young people interested in politics by organising training sessions and conferences, and through the Politics Academy, which brings young people closer to our elected representatives. We also aim to train young C.R.A.C.S., capable of thriving in our society.
As a first-time voter, you took part in the democratic exercise for the first time on 9 June. What stands out for you from that election campaign?
It's true that, as a first-time voter, taking part in an election campaign for the first time is a memorable experience. What stands out most for me are the encounters with people looking for change. These exchanges allowed me to hear their demands and concerns directly.
It's certainly not always easy at 20 to gauge the everyday difficulties people face, but these conversations at markets, flea markets and events helped me better understand their realities. An enriching and essential experience for my political journey.
Straight after that, you stood on the MR list in Grâce-Hollogne for the municipal elections and were elected on 13 October.
As you mentioned in a post on your social media: "The real work starts now". What will be the challenges for Grâce-Hollogne over the next 6 years, and which topics do you plan to focus on specifically?
My first challenge will be setting up a Local Economic Development Agency (ADEL) to tackle the unemployment problem, which remains particularly high in Grâce-Hollogne! The municipality must play a key role as an intermediary between jobseekers, businesses and training bodies, to effectively encourage people back into work.
My priorities also include culture, sport and youth, with the creation of a cultural centre to help young people flourish, as well as a youth centre as a place for exchange and projects.
Finally, it's essential for me to listen to my generation, to pass their expectations on to the relevant authorities and to speak up on their behalf.
We end with the traditional tourist question: what does it feel like to be 20 in Grâce-Hollogne? Culture, folklore, festivities, what can you do in your twenties (or beyond…) in your municipality?
I may disappoint you, but it has to be said that Grâce-Hollogne severely lacks facilities for young adults. That's precisely what I want to work on over the next six years: creating appealing spaces that encourage young people to stay in the municipality to enjoy themselves, rather than having to systematically travel to Liège or neighbouring municipalities.