A French student of Sri Lankan origin has been elected to municipal office at the age of 18, marking an early milestone in his political career.
Bilaal Lookman, a first-year law student, won a seat on the city council of Guyancourt, located on the outskirts of Paris, in the recent municipal elections.
He also voted for the first time in the same election in which he secured his council position, making the moment particularly significant.
Born in November 2007 to a family with roots in Mannar and Jaffna in Sri Lanka, Lookman is now among the youngest elected representatives in France.
He developed an early interest in public affairs through internships in political offices, including those of a Member of Parliament, a former Minister of Education, and the mayor of his town during his teenage years.
Lookman has also engaged with senior political leaders and diplomats and has been active in community service through youth councils and volunteer work with food-aid organisations.
