The political class of Nice, from right to left, is gearing up for the upcoming electoral challenges, dealing with formal investigations and sharp verbal attacks.
A post published on [Patrick Mottard’s blog](https://www.patrickmottard.blogspot.com/) ignited the local powder keg, followed by statements on [Patrick Allemand’s blog](https://patrickallemand.canalblog.com/) that demonstrated, if proof were needed, the enmity existing between the Patricks of Nice.
Everyone is now responding through their respective blogs, and one thing is for sure: the Socialist Party of Nice will gain nothing from these internal squabbles that make it too closely resemble the national political scene, using equally spirited verbal techniques.
Therefore, the floor is given to Patrick Mottard, who shares his views on this dramatically unnecessary and childish affair.
Nice Première: Patrick Mottard, how did you feel about the reactions to the posts published on your blog?
Patrick Mottard: When your activism has been centered on fighting discrimination for decades, such an attack hurts. Plain and simple.
NP: What message were you really trying to convey?
PM: For me, communitarianism is the building of a modern Tower of Babel. Like the first one, if we do not react, our society will head toward disaster. The first victim will be our republican model. For me, fundamentalism is the antithesis of humanism.
NP: What do you think about the controversy arising from your remarks?
PM: There are two levels to this controversy. The first concerns the question raised, that of the rise of communitarianism in my political party. The intensity of the reaction clearly shows that this problem exists. The second involves a mediocre political maneuver to eliminate a rival, a maneuver that, within 48 hours, has resulted in great confusion among its proponents. Indeed, I’m overwhelmed with messages of sympathy and support, a significant portion of which comes from French people of immigrant backgrounds, thanking me for my courageous stance.
“I am very stern towards those (the one) who have (has) exploited the entire situation in hopes of gaining an advantage in an election that will take place… in two years.” Do you stand by your statement?
I persist and sign.
NP: Your statements were reportedly distorted by the press that accuses you of discrimination. What are your thoughts on this subject?
PM: The press has nothing to do with it, they did their job, it’s not them who accuse me of discrimination. They only echo the words of some. Those – who have made such accusations – are the guilty ones. And those who have played the role of sorcerer’s apprentices.
NP: How would you respond to all this?
PM: I want to remain a free man in a free party. I will not be silenced when the essentials are at stake.
NP: Finally, would you write the same comments today?
PM: Yes.
