A swimmer first and foremost, I got involved in volunteering 30 years ago as a coach and then as a manager in Nice, France.

I very quickly took the reins of the Ligue Côte d’Azur, which became the Ligue Paca when it merged with Provence (Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur).

After having been President of the Federal Swimming Commission, and Vice-President of the FFN, in 2017 I decided to run for presidency of the FFN. I was convinced that I could bring indispensable reform to our ever-changing sporting environment, that I could contribute to the development of swimming activities and enable our national teams to shine at major international competitions.

Throughout my career, I have been driven by two very simple values: integrity and ethics.

In these difficult times, it is essential to have honest and reliable leaders who work in the public interest.

Today, the current president of the LEN is facing embezzlement charges. He is also the subject of two judicial inquiries.

While I defend the presumption of innocence with the utmost vigour, the answers given by Paolo Barelli are far from convincing and his approach lacks transparency. I have repeatedly asked for tangible evidence that would have cleared any doubt towards him. The answers provided compelled me to act.

As a member of the LEN Board, I consider the reputation of the institution to be at stake. I want to protect European swimming from a possible scandal.

My candidacy is the defence of clean swimming.

The LEN is in danger.

We are in an unprecedented crisis.

With the threats to the current president, the union is under threat. Today I represent a credible alternative to keep Europe united.

My candidacy aims to guarantee unity on the subject of defending strong values.

My only goal is to know the truth. To date, no one has bothered to answer me. The LEN deserves better than these practices from a bygone age.

The risk is to give up your values and yourself. That the LEN loses its credibility.

Personally, I had no ambition till now, so for me, there’s no risk.

I am here to fight on behalf of all countries that want to continue to be associated with the values of transparency and ethics.

If I lose, I will continue on my way to the French Federation and I will not be guilty of conniving with the current governance. If I win, I wish for a new and more participative LEN as well as for better governance to emerge.

I would like to promote a new policy that is much more participatory and transparent.

My project is to restore confidence and develop my sport.

I am currently preparing 12 commitments with the numerous federations that have already joined me.

The construction of the project will be participatory.

I’ll be who I already am, with the keywords:

Sharing, integrity, trust, innovation, consultation and transparency.

Sharing, with all European nations.

The integrity of a team whose moral values will guide our choices and actions.

Trust, because my candidacy will be that of defending clean swimming.

Innovation, in order to carry out the major projects that will have to be implemented, including an in-depth reform of governance.

Consultation: dialogue will have to be re-established between all.

Transparency, because speech should not be reserved for an elite group.

Absolutely, and I will withdraw my candidacy if an independent commission of inquiry is set up and if there is a logical explanation for the alleged facts. But every day I doubt that possibility a little more.

Paolo Barelli is presumed guilty of financial malpractice, in particular for having concluded dubious commercial agreements with private service providers in recent years which, if this is the case, cannot be accepted. I had wanted this independent commission to take place, but my request was ignored.

So, I had to do something about it.

I’ve been swimming since I was seven years old. I climbed the ranks one by one before reaching the highest federal bodies by becoming President of the FFN in 2017.

A pharmacist and company manager – it is because I have been accompanied by a strong and solid team that I have been able to combine my two lives.

For three years, my team and I have been carrying out major reform projects that are essential to our sport, while others are still to come.

As exciting as it may be, it hasn’t always been easy.

Paris will host the Olympics in 2024, and I am both lucky and proud to be an active participant in this organisation.

I’m not inexperienced. The fact that I didn’t come from the same place as the current inner circle should not be confused with inexperience.

Many federations support me. I get many calls, sometimes even from unexpected people. It’s very surprising, but it’s also reassuring. Ethics is a central concern for many decision-makers in European swimming.

An honest Europe for a united Europe. It is our values that set us apart.

I appreciate the following quote from Warren Buffet 

“ In looking for people, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you”

‘Transparency for LEN’ is the name I wanted to give to this campaign, because it is vital for this institution.