In the run-up to the early legislative elections, eight candidates have officially entered the race to represent Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy in the National Assembly. Among them, three women and five men registered their candidacy before the close of deposits at the prefecture on Sunday June 16 at 6 pm. The range of candidates reflects a diversity of backgrounds and political commitments, from well-established figures to newcomers to the local political scene. With issues ranging from purchasing power and security to education and immigration, the campaign promises to be intense and crucial for the future of the island territories. In a context where every day counts and logistical constraints are exacerbated by tight deadlines, the candidates are vying with each other to make their proposals heard in a dynamic and competitive electoral landscape.
Profile and experience
Alexandra Questel, 30, originally from Saint-Barthélemy, has a degree in political science from Canada. She worked in the hotel industry and in communications at the Collectivity under Bruno Magras. Elected to the Collectivity of Saint-Barthélemy in 2022, she chairs the territorial tourism committee and is supported by the "Saint-Barth d'abord" group.
Motivation
She wishes to represent the interests of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin at national level, bringing a young and experienced perspective, supported by influential local figures.
Campaign objectives
- Restore voters' confidence without making unrealistic promises. Protect the status and specific characteristics of both territories, and ensure that government commitments are respected.
- Create a coherent dynamic between the Senate and the National Assembly to support local projects, particularly those already initiated by the right-wing women senators of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy.
Desired parliamentary committees
Outre-mer de droit and commission économie, where she can use her expertise in tourism and other sectors.
Political position
Will sit on the right, potentially in the Divers Droites group, while avoiding the Rassemblement National, to ensure consistency with senatorial projects.
Substitute
Gilbert Rousseau, involved in associations and sports, particularly cycling. Active in Saint-Martin, he prefers to work in the field and shares the same dynamic as Alexandra Questel.
Profile and experience
Lila Krimi, 50, a retired physiotherapist from Alsace who has lived on Saint-Martin for a decade. Known for having called on Emmanuel Macron after Hurricane Irma, which contributed to the island's reconstruction.
Motivation
She is motivated by rising prices and the lack of action by elected officials after the elections. She wants to bring lasting change and hand over to young people after her term.
Campaign objectives
- Reduce taxes on food, water and electricity to ease the cost of daily living for residents, building on the exemptions already in place for alcohol and tobacco. To finance this, she proposes savings on the Collectivity's expenditure.
- Facilitate young people's access to education in mainland France by acquiring affordable housing in major French cities, to reduce the high cost of living that often forces young people to leave the island.
Desired parliamentary committees
She is targeting the Finance Committee to directly influence budgetary policies.
Political position
Not a member of any political party, she plans to join the majority parliamentary group, with the exception of the extreme left.
Substitute
Guerna Castor, 24, a former work colleague and crèche employee, is a first-time politician, sharing Lila Krimi's dynamic.
Profile and experience
Frantz Gumbs, husband, father, grandfather, retired educator and former principal, currently outgoing deputy and territorial councillor. Involved in education and culture in Saint-Martin.
Motivation
Motivated by the desire to represent Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin at national level, continuing the work begun during his previous term.
Campaign objectives
- Improve purchasing power by combating the high cost of living and promoting food self-sufficiency. Support for the commission of inquiry into the cost of living in the French overseas territories and a project to reduce food dependency.
- Promotion of local government services and creation of a detached judicial court, as well as support for the establishment of a full-fledged prefecture to strengthen local government presence.
Desired parliamentary committees
Would like to work in the Commission for Cultural Affairs and Education to adapt educational policies to local specificities.
Political position
Supported locally by the RSMA and Unis pour St-Barthélemy groups, classified divers center at national level, but with a past affiliation with the Modem and related parties.
Substitute
Melissa Lake, territorial councillor for Saint-Barthélemy, with varied experience in real estate, construction and tourism, brings essential knowledge of the territory.
Profile and experience
Hervé Meunier, 51, casino manager on Saint-Martin for 19 years, deeply rooted in the local community and committed to the island's social life.
Motivation
Sensitized to the unique challenges of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, motivated by the need to effectively represent local interests at the National Assembly in the face of often disconnected national parties.
Campaign objectives
- Fight the high cost of living by promoting reduced fares for local air travel and regulating the prices of everyday consumer goods. Also promote access to affordable housing.
- Protect the environment and promote sustainable development to support the local tourism-based economy, while building resilience to climate challenges.
Desired parliamentary committees
Plans to sit on the Economic Affairs Committee to support sustainable tourism, local investment, food self-sufficiency and SME development.
Political position
Independent of any national political party, focusing on the specific needs of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin without party affiliation.
Substitute
Jean-Baptiste Monin, 44, business leader and committed resident of Saint-Martin, bringing diversified experience and an extensive network, notably in vocational training and sustainable agriculture.
Profile and experience
Diane Félix, 46, from Saint-Martin, is a socially committed entrepreneur. Involved in various local initiatives and aware of the needs of Saint-Martin's communities.
Motivation
Motivated by her previous experience in territorial and European elections, as well as her desire to represent all the island's communities.
Campaign objectives
- Proposal of a "Marshall Plan for employment" focused on the development of agriculture and fishing. Aims to exploit uncontaminated land to diversify local production, make productive use of sargasso, and promote exports via the port of Galisbay to reduce the high price of imported products.
- Introduce extended territorial continuity with fixed airfares for residents, based on the Corsican model, to facilitate inter-island travel.
Desired parliamentary committees
Interest in finance, security and education, underlining the importance of these areas for the sustainable development of Saint-Martin.
Substitute
Claudine Brooks, a security professional who shares Diane's convictions and is active in several local associations. Committed to representing the interests of Saint-Martin and encouraging youth participation in elections.
Profile and experience
Philippe Philidor, a 33-year-old tax lawyer, began his political career as parliamentary attaché to Senator Guillaume Arnell. Accustomed to the challenges of the overseas territories, he specialized in budgetary and overseas issues as a parliamentary assistant, and worked alongside Daniel Gibbs to represent the interests of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin.
Motivation
Philippe Philidor is running to break the inaction of the outgoing deputy and make the urgent needs of the population heard at the National Assembly. His aim is to put forward concrete solutions to improve living conditions, particularly in terms of access to basic necessities, housing, mobility, and lower electricity and water bills.
Campaign objectives
- Support for local economies. Focus on economic revitalization to create jobs and ensure sustainable prosperity. Proposes support for SMEs, tax incentives and training programs.
- Commitment to regulating prices, subsidizing essential products and improving distribution infrastructures.
Desired parliamentary committees
Philippe Philidor aims to sit on the Finance and General Economy Committees, as well as on the Constitutional Laws and General Administration of the Republic. His aim is to influence economic and legislative policies to support the development of the French economy.
Political position
Although not a member of any political party, Philippe Philidor shares a common vision with Daniel Gibbs on sustainable development and improving the quality of life of citizens in the overseas territories.
Substitute
His deputy is Daniel Gibbs, a recognized and experienced political figure and former President of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin. Together, they represent an alliance to defend local interests and promote the sustainable development of both islands.
Profile and experience
Clément Chapdelaine, 32, optician from a classic right-wing family in Normandy, has lived in Saint-Martin for five years. Involved in François Fillon's campaign, he followed Éric Zemmour when he founded his party.
Motivation
He wishes to defend the ideas of Reconquête and is politically committed in reaction to Emmanuel Macron's policies, which he considers destabilizing for the overseas territories.
Campaign objectives
- Immigration: Clément Chapdelaine insists on stopping mass immigration, which he sees as a threat to the survival of Saint-Martin. He criticizes the saturation of public services, schools and infrastructures due to the continuous arrival of migrants. He calls for strict control and a reinforced immigration framework to protect the interests of the people of Saint-Martin.
- Insecurity: He denounces the high level of daily crime, which undermines social peace and the island's image as a tourist destination. Clément Chapdelaine proposes the restoration of order and justice, with measures such as the creation of a prison on Saint-Martin to relieve congestion in the courts and speed up legal proceedings.
Desired parliamentary committees
Based on his experience in French Guiana and Saint-Martin, he would like to sit on the French Overseas Territories Commission, to bring the specific needs of the French overseas territories to the attention of the French National Assembly.
Political position
A member of Reconquête, Clément Chapdelaine envisages cooperation with the Rassemblement National (RN) in the event of a Jordan Bardella government, underlining a convergence on many issues.
Substitute
His deputy, Charly Bertin, a contractor and house painter, is also involved in Reconquête. He has lived in Saint-Barthélemy for ten years, and shares the same concerns about posted workers and unfair competition.
Profile and experience
Ricardo Bethel, 37, Communications Manager at the Tourist Office, is a native of Saint-Martin with both international and local experience. He has acquired expertise in the island's tourism environment, both socially and economically.
Motivation
He has been involved in political life for several years, having contributed to the development of previous political programs and being inspired by the opportunity to represent Saint-Martin at national level due to his network and skills. He believes it's time to train young people for the next generation.
Campaign objectives
- Purchasing power: Ricardo Bethel emphasizes the need to reduce the island's extra costs by establishing a basket of essential products at guaranteed prices. He also proposes reduced transport rates between islands and to France, as well as the deregulation of sea freight to counter the monopolies. He wants to guarantee stable energy and water prices, while investing in renewable energies.
- Education: He advocates the creation of a full-fledged rectorate for Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin to improve local educational administration. He advocates the development of bilingual education, based on his own experience of academic success thanks to a multilingual approach from an early age.
Desired parliamentary committees
Ricardo Bethel is keen to get involved in the parliamentary committees on tourism, overseas affairs and finance, which he considers crucial to his political commitment and the needs of Saint-Martin.
Political position
He is supported locally by the Hope Party, but is running without a national label to better represent the diverse interests of Saint-Martin. He plans to consult the population on the political direction to take once elected, but excludes extremes.
Substitute
Sabrina Charville, airport manager and promoter of Saint-Martin culture, is providing crucial support to Ricardo Bethel's campaign, complementing her profile with her experience in civil aviation and her community involvement.