Marlène Dbouk
Secretary General of Renaissance Français de l'étranger - Consular Delegate since 2021
I have lived in London for 25 years with my husband, we have built our family life here, raised our two children who are now 25 and 21 years old. Originally from Franche-Comté, I remain deeply attached to my French roots while being fully integrated into British society.
Psychologist by training, specialized in environmental issues, I have always been attentive to questions of transmission, adaptation and responsibility in the face of the challenges of our time.
Commitment beyond words
My commitment to French people abroad first arose from a very personal experience: that of a mother wishing to preserve her children's bilingualism and cultural identity. By volunteering in their British school, then by co-founding the French Programme, I wanted to offer French families educating their children in the British system a concrete and adapted solution. This initiative was born from a real need, experienced from within.
Since 2021, as consular delegate, I continue this commitment with the same conviction: to be useful, attentive and close to the realities experienced by our compatriots in the United Kingdom. I know how much expatriation can be enriching, but also a challenge. Some French people are very invested in the local community, others feel distant from it.
Build, unite, protect
The ambition, which I share with all the members of our list, is to continue recreating connections, rebuilding trust and making every voice heard.
At a time when mistrust is growing and public discourse is sometimes weakened, I deeply believe in the power of dialogue, collective work and sincere commitment.
Commitment requires energy, but also balance.
I discovered rowing a few months ago. On the water, I love the demands, the rhythm, the coordination with others. Nothing works alone — and this idea speaks to me deeply.
With my husband, we also spend time taking care of our olive trees. The harvest, the patient work until the oil that we then share with our loved ones… These simple moments refocus me, they remind me that what really matters is connection, consistency and the meaning we give to what we do.