Aurélie Dap (32) grew up between France and Luxembourg and works as an accountant for an IT company based in the grand duchy. She heads Volt’s list for the European elections alongside Philippe Schannes, a secondary school teacher born in 1989.
Also on the list: Conny Jaroni (born in 1985, director of a halfway house); Daniel Silva (1983, IT trainer); Samuel Moïse (1999, student) and Lara Marwaha (1982, validation engineer in research and development).
Volt Luxembourg won 2.19% of the vote in the 2019 European elections. The programme’s key measures include the transition to a federal Europe, a renewed European Parliament shaped by transnational parties that will occupy a central place in the institutions, a federal police force and a foreign policy steered by a European foreign ministry.
Paperjam: What is the meaning of your commitment and your candidacy as head of list?
Aurélie Dap: To contribute to serving citizens and promoting a stronger Europe, capable of providing support on climate, social and economic issues. But also to show the importance of European unity to preserve this peace which, let’s not forget, was hard won by the courage of our elders. I’m Franco-Luxembourgish and my grandparents passed on to me the history of our regions, as well as the importance of not repeating the mistakes of the past. That’s also why I got involved in politics, to defend our ideals and make my contribution to maintaining peace in Europe and beyond its borders.
What is the history of your movement and its position on the national political scene?
Volt is first and foremost an idea: European unity. The party was founded on 29 March 2017 by a Frenchwoman, an Italian and a German in response to Brexit, but also to protect Europe from certain ideologies linked to a not-so-distant past. It is present in all the member countries of the European Union, as well as in the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Albania and Switzerland. Volt positions itself as a progressive party, with the aim of promoting a participatory democracy based on solidarity within a federal Europe.
How did you put together your list?
We wanted to put together a list that reflects the diversity of Luxembourg. Indeed, we are convinced that what makes Luxembourg strong is all its citizens, no matter what part of the world they come from. We have also made parity a point of honour, because we want to highlight the representation of women on the political scene and reiterate our support for gender equality.
Why is Volt Luxembourg taking part in this election?
Our candidacy aspires to transform the European Union into a truly democratic federation, capable of responding effectively to current challenges such as climate change, social inequalities, security and migration issues. We firmly believe that a united Europe is the key to ensuring peace, prosperity and justice on the continent.
What message would you like to get across during these elections?
It is now time for Europe to reinvent itself and defend the interests of all its citizens. Now more than ever, it is essential to provide solutions to the various challenges that lie ahead. Europe must continue to play its role as a model, while being firmer and more consistent in its actions. We want a Europe where every voice counts, where human rights are respected and where policies are geared towards sustainability and equity. We call for the active participation of citizens in the political process to create a better future for all.
On the evening of election day, what outcome would mean you had run a good, worthwhile campaign?
On the evening of 9 June, we will above all have experienced a wonderful human adventure which, on a small scale, represents this European unity. Volt Luxembourg is much more than a political party: it is above all a team, made up of several members from different worlds and backgrounds united around a single objective. If we are seen as a serious alternative on the political scene, then we will be able to say that our commitment has not been in vain. Indeed, if on 9 June we see a significant increase in support for our ideas and proposals at the ballot box, it will mean that our hard work and preparation for the democratic elections have paid off. Our aim is to be recognised not only for our commitment and our vision, but also for our ability to act effectively and provide concrete solutions to Europe's challenges. One of our slogans is “Think European, act local.” Whatever the result, we will continue to stand for the next elections.
This article in Paperjam. It has been translated and edited for Delano.