Nathalie Audin has been officially endorsed by the Socialist Party as its candidate for the canton of Cagnes Ouest. This woman of action, president of a major local association, will thus have a tough battle in a canton comprising no fewer than 4 municipalities: Cagnes, La Colle sur Loup, Villeneuve Loubet, and Saint Paul de Vence.
“She is an extraordinary woman, very committed, in her professional life to the service of the associative life, in her trade union responsibilities as a labor court advisor, and in her political responsibilities, in charge of communication sector at the federation. She is someone close to me and I have total trust in her,” says Patrick Allemand, who does not stint on praise for his candidate, and there is no doubt that the support of the Federal First Secretary will be an additional asset in Nathalie Audin’s campaign, who still has a lot to contend with against the incumbent General Councillor who is none other than the UMP Deputy, Lionnel Luca.
Nice Premium: Nathalie Audin, you are the PS candidate for the cantonales in Cagnes Ouest. Can you introduce yourself?
Nathalie Audin: I am what one might call an active woman. I have been a militant of the Socialist Party since the very precise moment of April 21, 2002, at 10:00 PM, when, once the disappointment subsided, I thought that democracy indeed progresses better with others than alone. I am also involved in trade union functions. I freely define myself as a proponent of “real socialism,” combining economic efficiency and social justice. As an alternate delegate for Dominique Strauss Kahn during the internal Socialist Party campaign, with my deputy Philippe DELANNAY, we represent an uncomplexed social democracy. Holding a master’s degree in administration of local authorities and another in real estate law, I directed, for eight years, childhood, youth, sports, and social action services in a town of 5000 inhabitants. For the past ten years, I have been the director of a departmental association in Cagnes sur Mer. Consequently, I know very well the strengths and weaknesses of our region.
NP: What do you see as the role of a general councillor?
NA: Contrary to what is being spread today, I believe that the General Council and, more generally, local authorities are essential to a great democracy. In his speech about institutions, Nicolas SARKOZY never at any point speaks on the future of local authorities. However, decentralization advocated by François MITTERRAND allowed citizens to be closer to political decision centers. The responsibilities of the General Council are varied. They certainly cover social action (the main competence of the General Council) but also economic development, transport, environmental policy, education through the management and operation of middle schools, and even culture. The general council of Alpes-Maritimes could also implement a more decisive action in the fields of social economy and associative development. Left-wing and opposition general councillors are essential to maintain a counterweight to the omnipotence of the Sarkozy system. I consider that a general councillor should be a local elected official, close to the people, a propounder of ideas, and attentive to citizens, businesses, unions, and associations.
NP: Who are the main candidates in the canton and what do you think of them?
NA: The main candidate we will face is Lionnel LUCA, the UMP candidate. He is a formidable opponent, sincere in his convictions, both as a deputy and as a general councillor. He strictly follows the Sarkozy political path. This is precisely where the problem lies. Lionnel LUCA, like his local right-wing friends, proposes a vision of society to which I absolutely do not subscribe. The ultra-liberalism he advocates, which, today, is the economically and culturally dominant thought, plunges millions of individuals into poverty. The social democracy I represent aims to mitigate inequalities, to move towards real equality. The exact opposite of the ideology carried by my opponent. Utopia, you say? In the aftermath of World War II, the members of the national council of resistance, in creating our social protection system, were also certainly considered as utopians. Yet, it is thanks to them that our nation developed. There is also a National Front candidate. I have nothing to say about him. I also read that a MODEM candidate is running (Alain Château). I am delighted. The political offering is diverse, and it is excellent for a democracy to be able to present different visions of society. On the left, I understand that I will be opposed by a communist candidate. I do not know him. As leftist candidates, we share a beautiful socialist ideal. However, I do not believe that communists have, today, a credible response to the social, environmental, and cultural challenges we must confront. Of course, I am ready to discuss this with him. I do not know the MEI candidate who is running.
NP: The canton Cagnes Ouest represents 4 municipalities. What would you say about each of them?
NA: Saint Paul de Vence is the “postcard” municipality of the canton. It’s the one where everyone would like to live because of its welcoming and warm life culture, houses, and village. It is a municipality that needs to preserve this quality of life. It also needs to be more open to others and accept more social diversity. La Colle sur Loup has managed to preserve its green spaces. These must now be protected at all costs as real estate speculation poses a real threat to the few places where nature has kept its rights. Cagnes and Villeneuve Loubet are coastal municipalities that have developed a certain economic and tourist dynamism. They must now also make significant efforts regarding the provision of social housing. I have the chance to run in a canton which, in a way, is a summary of the entire department, combining semi-rural and urban worlds.
NP: Finally, what will be the strengths of your candidacy?
NA: I believe I have more or less outlined them. I do not consider the simple fact of being a woman as a strength, even though I am delighted when the economic, union, associative, or political world trusts women to lead projects. I think my strength is simply the political offering I propose to you. Ideal in its goals, pragmatic in its means. The Alpes-Maritimes have undeniable assets that should make it the best department in all areas: social, economic, cultural, sporting… However, its inhabitants, employees, and retirees testify to a kind of malaise linked, notably, to the housing crisis, transport difficulties, insufficient sporting and cultural offerings, and major social difficulties. Misery is not easier to bear in the sun. This department has fallen far behind. It is time to roll up our sleeves and make the Alpes-Maritimes a department of excellence in all areas; a department at the service of its residents, welcoming to its visitors.
