top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Councillor to take French citizenship to stay in role

OWEN Goldring, 71, a British municipal councillor from Charente, said it would be “an absolutely fantastic gesture” if the time was reduced.

“Theresa May said she will use British nationals abroad and EU nationals in the UK as ‘bargaining chips’ in the Brexit negotiations.

“If the French turn round and say ‘come and become a French citizen; you only have to have lived here a year’ – that would be lovely and would send a message to the UK parliament.”

Dr Goldring, a former university lecturer, has been a councillor in his village, Bonneville, since 2014. He said: “My wife and I both feel part of France and very much part of Europe. I was approached by the now mayor in 2013 who said he’d like to get me on the council.

“I said ‘why? I’m an étranger’ and he said ‘it doesn’t matter; you’re European’. When I was elected I felt honoured to be the first foreigner to sit on the council in the history of the commune – so it rubs it in for me all the more about this Brexit vote.”

Dr Goldring said he offered to resign after the referendum but the council did not want him to.

“I have had wonderful responses from people here who know that we are very pro-Europe and France.

“One person told me: ‘All you need to do now is become French’, and that’s what we plan to do. He added if we can just support Les Bleus as well, then we will be really integrated!”

Dr Goldring said he loves being involved in practical decisions that help the local people.

“It’s things like asking for a school bus route to be altered so children from a new family can be picked up near home instead of walking down an unlit road in winter’. To me it’s a pleasure and an honour and there’s a lot of humour in the meetings as well.”

  • A study by Dr Sue Collard, a senior lecturer in French Politics and Contemporary European Studies at the University of Sussex, found there were 830 British local councillors elected in France in 2014 to serve a six-year mandate.
Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France