Born on Wallis,[2] he studied in metropolitan France in Toulouse and Bordeaux, then began a career as a secondary school history and geography teacher, first in Nouméa (New Caledonia) for a year, then in his home island.

[2] He served as a member of the Territorial Assembly of Wallis and Futuna,[3] before entering French national politics.

[4] Two months later, having been elected to sit on the opposition benches (albeit officially as an independent), he joined the ranks of the Socialist-led majority in the National Assembly.

He explained frankly that being a member of the majority would make it easier for him to lobby the government for funds and services for his constituents - who, he said, cared little for the left-right divide prevalent in metropolitan France.

[5] Specifically, he promised to lobby for the setting up of a better sewerage system in the territory, and faster repairs following damage caused by a cyclone.