Dear friends,
Whether you chose to become French or remain so, you did it for a reason — to preserve your identity, to protect your rights, and to stay connected.
Yet too often, being a French citizen in the UK still feels more complicated than it should be. Administrative processes can be unclear, support is not always easy to access, and too many people are left to manage on their own.
This is not how it should work.
I have been living in London for over 20 years and have spent that time supporting French citizens and binational families facing real-life situations — schooling, administrative procedures, access to services, and more.
French consular councillors represent French citizens living abroad and work on issues such as education, consular services, social protection and citizens’ rights.
Online voting takes place from 22 to 27 May, with in-person voting on 31 May.
Find out more about their role and how to vote here
I am standing in these elections with a clear objective: to make French citizenship work in practice, for everyone — not just for those who already know how to navigate the system.
My priorities are clear:
• making French administration simpler, more responsive and easier to access
• ensuring fair and affordable access to French education
• adapting support to the real cost of living in the UK
• defending your rights and protections in a post-Brexit context
• supporting FLAM schools and community organisations that keep our community inclusive and connected
I believe in a simple principle: access to rights should not depend on income, background or one’s ability to navigate the system.
No grand promises — but a firm commitment to fairness, equal access and practical solutions.
This election is your opportunity to choose representatives who will stand up for you and work to make things fairer and more accessible for all.
With warm regards,
Catherine Smadja-Froguel Lead Candidate Justice et Solidarité – French Consular Elections, London
P.S. You chose to become French for a reason. This is your chance to make sure those rights are real and accessible to everyone — it only takes a few minutes to vote.