Expected as the first deputy in case of Eric Ciotti’s victory, Jean-Pierre Rivère has announced his withdrawal from the municipal list in Nice. The reason is a risk of ineligibility linked to his return to the co-presidency of OGC Nice. The former sports leader remains involved in the campaign, outside of the official list.
The 2026 municipal campaign in Nice is experiencing a turning point. Jean-Pierre Rivère has announced his departure from Eric Ciotti’s list. The decision comes in a legally uncertain context. Having returned as co-president of OGC Nice at the end of December, Jean-Pierre Rivère faced a risk of incompatibility between his sports functions and a municipal candidacy.
The deputy Eric Ciotti, candidate for mayor of Nice, had presented Jean-Pierre Rivère as the future first deputy in case of victory. This prospect was questioned after the latter’s return to the helm of the Nice football club, amid a sports and institutional crisis. Existing contracts between OGC Nice and the city of Nice have reignited the debate on eligibility.
The entourage of the outgoing mayor Christian Estrosi quickly reacted, considering that cumulating positions posed a problem in terms of electoral law. Marc Concas, deputy in charge of finances, announced having contacted the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes to ensure that the Electoral Code’s rules are upheld. According to this interpretation, the situation could weaken Eric Ciotti’s candidacy.
Ineligibility raised by electoral law
The debate relies on Article L231 of the Electoral Code. The text stipulates that an entrepreneur maintaining economic ties with a community must have withdrawn from his private activities at least six months before the election to be eligible. Jean-Pierre Rivère’s return to the management of OGC Nice, made official on December 19, 2025, did not comply with this deadline.
This interpretation was adopted by Christian Estrosi’s camp, the main opponent of Eric Ciotti in the mayoral race. According to the outgoing mayor, Jean-Pierre Rivère’s presence on the list could render his opponent ineligible. The controversy quickly gained momentum in the local debate.
Faced with this situation, Eric Ciotti’s campaign team made a decision. In a statement, the choice is presented as a decision aimed at maintaining the list’s and the campaign’s stability. “Even if there was only a slight legal risk, he refused to impose any uncertainty on the team gathered around Eric Ciotti and the project carried for Nice and the metropolis,” the text indicates.
Jean-Pierre Rivère therefore officially announced his withdrawal from the list. The name of the OGC Nice president no longer appears on it. The decision is presented as a “clear and responsible choice”, according to the campaign team’s words.
An ongoing commitment outside the list
This withdrawal does not mean a break with the municipal campaign. Jean-Pierre Rivère retains a political role, but outside the direct electoral framework. The former leader becomes co-president of Eric Ciotti’s support committee. A “strengthened union in a renewed organization” is emphasized by the candidate’s team.
In case of victory in the March 2026 municipal elections, Jean-Pierre Rivère is expected to become “special advisor” to the mayor. A function that does not fall under the status of an elected official. This position avoids the legal risk while maintaining political closeness with the candidate.
Eric Ciotti confirmed this support on the social network X. “With Jean-Pierre Rivère, more than ever and until the end, we will fight for Nice!”, wrote the deputy of Alpes-Maritimes.
The return to OGC Nice in the background
The situation stems from Jean-Pierre Rivère’s return to the head of OGC Nice. The leader resumed the club’s co-presidency at the end of December, alongside Maurice Cohen, in a challenging sports context. During this announcement, Jean-Pierre Rivère detailed exchanges with the club’s shareholder.
“Three days ago, I went to see Jim Ratcliffe” (the head of INEOS, shareholder of OGC Nice). “I requested a one-on-one meeting. We spent two hours assessing the club’s situation, discussing what was happening, how we could get through it because we are aware, with Maurice, that the problem runs deep. If we are here, it is to restore the club, with the people in place, because there are skills. Franck Haise and Florian Maurice are a force. We will all be united and mobilized. But we are not magicians. It does not guarantee success,” he stated on December 19, 2025.
Since this return, OGC Nice has qualified for the round of 32 and then the round of 16 of the Coupe de France. A draw with RC Strasbourg was also recorded, before a heavy defeat in the championship against Toulouse FC.
Little involved until now in local political life, Jean-Pierre Rivère now finds himself at the intersection of sport and politics. The withdrawal from the municipal list aims to clarify this situation. The campaign in Nice continues(*), seeking a balance between political engagement and adhering to the legal framework.
(*) To ensure fair coverage of this election campaign, we once again invite Mr. Eric Ciotti’s team to contact the Nice Premium editorial team, either by email: kevin.sanchez@nicepremium.fr or by phone: 0614701734.
