50 days before the municipal election, the lists running in Nice are intensifying their positions. Education, security, governance, ecology, or the legal framework of candidacies shape the debate. Here’s an update on the latest public announcements.
Eric Ciotti – The best is yet to come
Eric Ciotti’s campaign has a significant legal episode with the withdrawal of Jean-Pierre Rivère from the municipal list. Initially considered for the position of deputy mayor, Jean-Pierre Rivère left the list due to a risk of ineligibility related to his return to co-presidency of OGC Nice. Having resumed his role as club leader at the end of December, existing contracts between OGC Nice and the city reignited the debate on incompatibility as provided by Article L231 of the Electoral Code. Christian Estrosi’s team called upon the prefect. Eric Ciotti’s team mentions a decision aimed at securing the list. Jean-Pierre Rivère remains committed as the co-president of the support committee and could become a “special advisor” in the event of a victory.
Hélène Granouillac – Living Nice
The Living Nice list expressed itself following the homicide that occurred on Wednesday, January 21 in the west of the city. A young mother, aged 23, Lizabete, was shot dead while her infant was in the vehicle. An investigation for aggravated murder is underway. In a statement, Hélène Granouillac emphasizes the protection of women victimized by violence. The list advocates a care-based approach and upstream prevention. The project includes neighborhood consultations, dialogue with social actors, training of municipal agents, and appointing a dedicated referent for violence against women. The announced measures include psychological, legal, and social support, as well as coordinated work with the State, law enforcement, and specialized associations.
Christian Estrosi – All for Nice
Christian Estrosi presented the educational directions for the upcoming term. This approach is part of a policy committed since 2008, in a context of population growth and an increase in the number of students. The municipality recalls that 150 schools underwent works amounting to 109 million euros. The candidate announces four new schools, a thermal plan of 20 million euros, a “Nice Culture for Students” card, a strengthening of English, and a “Grandparents Homework” program. Marc Concas, Nice’s deputy mayor for finance, discussed ineligibility issues as part of the municipal campaign. The member of the outgoing majority recalled the rules governing cabinet staff recruitment, citing the age limit of 67 set by law, echoing Jean-Pierre Rivère’s age (68). Marc Concas also mentioned legal risks related to situations of running mates possessing public contracts with the community specifically targeting Pierre Ippolito.
Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux – United for Nice
The United for Nice list announces the arrival of Jacques Victor, a former general and municipal councilor. The left-wing alliance emphasizes an expansion to include ecological, communist, socialist, associative, and trade union forces. Jacques Victor highlights “the continuity of a fight for a fairer, more supportive city that listens to its citizens.” Julien Picot, a running mate, criticizes the housing management in Nice and questions Christian Estrosi after eighteen years in office. A second text targets Eric Ciotti concerning his list composition. “The amateurism of Eric Ciotti: future mayor of the ineligibles?”, writes Julien Picot, calling for a public debate focused on the needs of the residents.
Nathalie Dloussky – Together for France’s Greatness
Nathalie Dloussky proposes the creation of a Public Employment Observation Commission to audit 8,500 municipal and metropolitan officials. This measure relies on Article L.2121-22 of the CGCT and would require a simple deliberation. The committee would include independent experts, opposition elected officials, and randomly selected citizens, with public quarterly reports. The candidate mentions an annual savings target of 15 to 25 million euros without eliminating operational positions. “Estrosi refuses independent auditing in favor of internal inspections fraught with conflicts of interest,” denounces Nathalie Dloussky. Examples are cited in Marseille, Toulouse, and Le Havre. The list focuses on budget transparency and managing operating expenses.
Jean-Marc Governatori – Ecology at the Center
Jean-Marc Governatori directly addresses Eric Ciotti and Christian Estrosi regarding food and energy autonomy. The candidate mentions the government’s “72-hour emergency kit” in case of crisis and questions what comes next. According to Jean-Marc Governatori, Nice’s economy depends on nine raw materials expected to become scarce. “There are three pieces of information never disclosed to the people of Nice: the food situation, the energy situation, and the fact that Nice’s economy relies on nine raw materials,” says the candidate. The program advocates local organization, shared gardens, energy renovation, solar and geothermal. The energy vulnerability of Nice and the low proportion of renewable energy are highlighted.
