Cambodia: Election of the Councillors of French Citizens Abroad, Interview with Matthias VAZQUEZ

On the occasion of the elections of Councillors for French Citizens Abroad, we interviewed Matthias Vazquez, candidate for the Cambodia constituency. Running under the banner of the list "Relais citoyen des Français du Cambodge," he presents his motivations, the challenges he intends to address, and his vision of a mandate that is accessible and grounded in on-the-ground realities.

Matthias VAZQUEZ

What prompted you to run in this election? What was the trigger?

When I arrived in Cambodia, like many French people abroad, I discovered administrative procedures, health questions, taxation, and the difficulties one can encounter when settling in a new country.

By speaking spontaneously with many French people settled here, I above all noticed a strong need for proximity, presence and concrete answers. Many do not always know who to turn to when a procedure becomes complicated or remains unanswered.

I have always liked being useful to others throughout my career, notably when I worked in direct contact with citizens in Parliament, in international cooperation missions, or through an association of French people abroad that I created. I simply wanted to continue that commitment here, voluntarily, in service of our community.

In your opinion, what are the three main challenges facing French people living in Cambodia today?

The feedback we receive most concerns the CFE, administrative procedures, non-resident taxation, visas, and certain difficulties related to professional establishment.

But behind these technical subjects there is above all a very human need: to be able to obtain a clear answer, to be directed quickly and not to be left alone facing sometimes complex files.

We have also met many French people with very diverse profiles: entrepreneurs, retirees, Franco-Khmer families, young professionals, employees or self-employed. Paths are now much more mobile and varied than before, and public policies must better take this evolution into account, notably for procedures related to returning to France.

The French community in Cambodia is diverse — entrepreneurs, teachers, retirees, families, young expatriates. How do you plan to represent that diversity?

Our team precisely reflects that diversity. We have very different profiles, generations, backgrounds and sensibilities, mirroring the French and Franco-Khmer community of Cambodia today.

We built this "Relais citoyen des Français du Cambodge" approach by going directly to meet them, including outside the usual circles or large urban centers.

That is probably what struck us most during this campaign: the richness of the paths and lived realities here.

Representing that diversity first means listening without prejudice, remaining accessible and understanding that expectations are not the same depending on each person’s background, with a team deeply attached to Cambodia and to the French who live there.

How do you plan to support French entrepreneurs and economic actors in Cambodia?

The French economic fabric in Cambodia is extremely diverse: long-established entrepreneurs, SMEs, independents, restaurateurs, actors in tourism, digital, training, or Franco-Khmer project leaders. They fully contribute to the local dynamism and to the visibility of our community.

I myself worked in the private sector before my engagement in Parliament. I have always believed that dialogue between economic actors, institutions and public decision-makers was essential to advance projects, unblock certain situations and create a clearer and more favorable environment.

Very concretely, that means being able to help resolve problems on the ground, direct people to the right contacts and maintain a constant link with institutional leaders attentive to these issues.

Several parliamentarians and a French minister have already expressed their commitment to listen to feedback coming from here, including by personally coming to Phnom Penh, and we fully intend to be part of this constructive dynamic.

How do you intend to maintain a regular and transparent link with the French people you represent throughout your mandate?

We want to carry out this mandate in a much more accessible, direct and transparent way. That first involves an embodied presence on the ground and regular exchanges with French people settled throughout the country.

We have set up a Telegram space open to everyone and already active to answer questions, share useful information and help resolve the difficulties that are brought to us. We also wish to report regularly on decisions made in consular meetings and on the follow-up of the issues entrusted to us.

What message would you like to send to the French in Cambodia who are still hesitating to vote?

Many French people are only discovering today the role of Councillors for French Citizens Abroad. Yet these elected officials, three in number here, intervene on very concrete everyday matters. As every six years, it is now possible for everyone to change that situation, by voting online or at the consulate.

This election is also an opportunity to bring to life a representation closer to the current reality of our community, which has changed a lot in recent years.

Whatever your choice, I think it is important to participate and make your voice heard. Trust is not decreed: it is built with presence, listening and a sincere long-term commitment. We are fully committed to that.