1:15 p.m.: The Nice Municipal Council reaches the deliberation concerning the removal of nine deputies of Jacques Peyrat. Rivalries and resentments, previously contained, will gradually surface in a vast crescendo. During the first four hours of the morning, Jacques Peyrat managed the situation fairly well. There were certainly some clashes with the “social-communist” group members, but the projects were adopted at a slow pace. In a studious and diligent atmosphere, Jacques Peyrat led his pointed agenda.
The Mayor was the first to speak about the removal issue. In a slow, solemn tone, he explained his decision: “I do not see these people working by my side. I say this for the interest of the city of Nice. I demand that my collaborators respect certain values.” He added: “The defections were confirmed this morning,” referring to the vote on the compensation requested by the Cari company for the grand stadium project. On this matter, the nine members of this “joyful company,” as Jacques Peyrat called them, voted against the proposal, as did Juliana Chichmanian-Delpy, the resigning deputy. With 32 votes for and 35 against the project, the decision will be brought before the courts.
The pro-Estrosi leave Jacques Peyrat
Patrick Mottard, the first to ask to speak, added fuel to the fire by emphasizing that the elected officials on the hot seat waited until the last moment to change sides. They had always remained silent during the various affairs that marked Jacques Peyrat’s last term.
Bernard Asso, in charge of economic development until November 22, took the floor again. He provoked the final explosion by admonishing the Mayor: “If you were elected in 2001, it was thanks to the UMP endorsement and the support of the General Council.” Interpellated by socialist elected officials, he struggled to be heard. With the increasing commotion, Bernard Asso, followed by the other eight officials, left the council chamber. Among the public, opinions were divided: are these officials cowards? Are we losing the best elements of Peyrat’s team?
The lawyer Gubernatis then defended Jacques Peyrat against his treacherous deputies: “You do not have to bow to the party’s ultimatums. I am never mistaken in my love and dedication to Nice.”
3:00 p.m.: The result of the Municipal Council vote is made public. Messrs. Asso, Barthe, Bettati, and Sanz, as well as Mesdames Estrosi, Alziari-Nègre, Mari-Fontana, Monier-Pierre, and Rampal, are officially removed from their function as deputy mayor. Madame Brigitte Ferrari, elected as the new deputy for culture, takes over the “Nice, Capital of Culture 2013” file. The other new deputies will be elected during the next Municipal Council on December 21.
