Johanna Rolland, surrounded by her new assistants, during the installation municipal council, Friday July 3, 2020. - S. Menoret / Ville de Nantes

  • The new Nantes municipal council met for the first time this Friday.
  • The mayor, Johanna Rolland, has announced the names and responsibilities of her deputies.
  • Among them, several young people who have never held such a position.

The new Nantes city council was officially installed on Friday. Re-elected mayor, Johanna Rolland announced the names and responsibilities of the deputies who will surround her for the next six years. Among them are new faces, young people, most of whom are unknown to the general public. Zoom on five of them.

Bassem Asseh, the new strong man

Bassem Asseh, first deputy mayor. - F.Brenon / 20Minutes

Okay, he's not totally a newcomer. Aged 46, this former commercial director born in Lebanon had already stood out in the previous mandate by his unusual career and his mission as deputy in charge of citizen dialogue. As part of the PS 44, this time he rose in rank by becoming first deputy with broad powers: city policy, economic life, employment, citizen dialogue, proximity. Just that ! "It is a mark of trust, a symbol of renewal chosen by Johanna Rolland," he comments. It is above all a heavy responsibility because city policy will be at the heart of the crisis we are going through. Fan of music and TV series, he says he is "fulfilled" in politics that he discovered late. “I was born in a country at war. It's like a breath of fresh air for me! "

Tristan Riom, the chef's surprise

Tristan Riom, deputy mayor in charge of energy and buildings. - F.Brenon / 20Minutes

He himself says he is “surprised” by his new role as elected representative and, above all, his status as fifth deputy mayor (in charge of energy). “There is a bit of pressure. Protocol, all that, I'm not used to, ”says Tristan Riom. Aged 26, this graduate of an engineering school, who joined the Greens two years ago, has been actively campaigning against global warming since he was a student. "I'm curious and in a hurry to see what we can do when we are in charge of the city," he says. With integrity, he has just let go of his job as a valuer (on a permanent contract) in a resource center "in order to avoid the slightest conflict of interest". His ancestor was Alfred Riom, mayor of Nantes from 1892 to 1896. "But he did not have a very glorious mandate", smiles the next generation.

Mahaut Bertu, youth does not wait

Mahaut Bertu, deputy mayor in charge of equality. - F.Brenon / 20Minutes

Became a municipal councilor during the previous mandate, she was then the youngest elected mayor. Today 25 years old, Mahaut Bertu is gaining ground and reaches the rank of sixth assistant, in charge of equality and the fight against discrimination. “It's a new challenge that I really like. It shows that there is no age to get involved, ”says the one who will have the mission of“ making Nantes the first non-sexist city in France ”. She joined the PS in 2012 "after the victory of Holland" but a career in politics has "never been a goal," says the young woman, follower of the jeans-sneakers outfit. His schedule was already well taken up by a political science thesis "devoted to participatory democracy". "I hope that I will be able to finish it before the end of the mandate." Another favorite occupation: "drinking with friends is my valve!" "

Hélène Naulin, the all-terrain ecologist

Hélène Naulin, assistant in charge of early childhood. - F.Brenon / 20Minutes

She considers ecology as her "real compass". Hélène Naulin, 38, is the 10th deputy mayor in charge of early childhood. A demanding position for a first term, ten years after joining EELV. “It's weird, recognizes this native Vendée. I approach this mission with enthusiasm and humility. Mother of a three-year-old boy, she promises to open more places in nurseries and better integrate them into nature. She studied applied arts and theater at the University of Nantes before gradually losing her sight, victim of a genetic disease affecting the retina. "At the municipal council, I also represent the inclusion of people with disabilities," she defends. His passion, besides politics? “Walks in Nantes' parks with Idem, my guide dog. "

Marlène Collineau, the eagerly awaited novice

Marlène Collineau, deputy mayor in charge of health. - F.Brenon / 20Minutes

She left the PS after the end of the Dutch five-year term for "sincerity". “People who work are not allowed to live on their wages with dignity. I did not find myself any more there, explains the one which militates “for the gathering of the left”. Three years later, Marlène Collineau joined the team of Johanna Rolland by "pragmatism", of which she has just been appointed assistant in charge of health. A heavy task for a first elected representative, at 35 years old. Health had indeed been established as a "priority" of the program. And the coronavirus has only reinforced this expectation. "I'll put all my guts into it," promises this former teacher who we saw protest last week alongside the caregivers. Passionate about writing and hiking, this territorial attaché in a land agency wants to keep her job, part-time. “My agenda will become super busy but I want to keep a foothold in the professional world. "

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The comforted experience

Besides these new faces, Johanna Rolland still chose to renew her trust in experienced elected officials. If he downgrades to a place of 7th assistant, Pascal Bolo thus retains responsibility for finances and inherits, in addition, security. Suffice to say that he will still be one of the tenors of the town hall! Appointed second assistant, Julie Laernoes will be responsible for "foresight and resilience". Ali Rebbouh will be 3rd assistant in charge of sports, Aïcha Bassal 4th assistant in charge of personnel, Aymeric Seassau 9th assistant in charge of culture. Urban planning goes to Thomas Quéro, Solidarités to Abassia Hakem, commerce to Gildas Salaün, heritage to Olivier Château. 

  • Johanna Rolland
  • EELV
  • PS
  • Municipal
  • Nantes