Journalists and running mates gathered in a fine restaurant in Vallon des Fleurs for a press briefing that ultimately resembled a simple inter-round speech. Standing behind his lectern, Christian Estrosi delivered messages to the people of Nice after thanking the journalists who would relay them. First, as an appetizer, the main news: Christian Estrosi will resign from his role as Secretary of State for Overseas Territories: “I want to announce that, from tomorrow, Nice will be my only priority and the focus of all my attention. As soon as I am elected, I will leave my ministerial duties to devote myself entirely and completely to the management of our city.” This information was part of the controversies or questions surrounding Christian Estrosi’s candidacy for the Nice City Hall.
The second controversy: the debate. Here too, he reassured everyone. He delivered the message everyone was waiting for: “I will not shy away from any debate. The people of Nice have decided and made their choice. There are three candidates in the second round. Democracy means that we should be able to discuss in complete serenity. I will do so calmly and peacefully with each of them in front of the print and broadcast media. I invite the other candidates to debate openly and with respect.”
The last message was addressed to the voters who did not support him in the first round: “Victory is in sight. I wish it to be as comprehensive and splendid as possible. I call on the people of Nice who made a different choice in the first round to come together to offer new hope to Nice.” And finally, solemnly and using the slogan of Jacques Peyrat (“Simply”), Christian Estrosi hopes to convince Jacques Peyrat’s voters to join him: “I want to speak to the voters who supported the outgoing mayor in the first round. Now, he is no longer in the race for victory. I ask them to choose unity and togetherness and to vote, simply, effectively for Nice.”
The messages have been delivered. They will be transmitted to the citizens of Nice. The UMP candidate responds to radio journalists by rereading his speech. Afterwards, Christian Estrosi, apart from the media and over good dishes, gathers all his running mates to develop the program and strategy to be employed for this inter-election week. The highlight will be the meeting on Thursday at 6 PM at the Palais de la Méditerranée.
