It goes to show, it is easier to be part of a government majority than to be in the opposition. It seems that the dominating duo of local politics will need all their energy to face the various obstacles that will challenge their action. Moreover, isn’t Patrick Allemand becoming increasingly bold?
Two press releases and a joint speech from the President of the General Council and the Mayor of Nice. The high-speed train line (LGV) connecting Marseille to Nice seems to have taken a hit after being included in the National Transport Infrastructure Plan.
Eric Ciotti expresses his concerns to the Prime Minister
“I have learned with concern that the government is considering abandoning several High-Speed Train Line projects, including the one between Marseille and Nice.
If confirmed, this decision would be an unacceptable halt to a project we have been awaiting for years.
The government of François Fillon had made significant progress by including this line in the National Transport Infrastructure Plan, and we had worked on the various possible routes.
A convention, signed in 2010 between the State and local authorities, foresees preliminary studies that are currently underway, and several tens of millions of euros have already been committed.
Such a project, essential for economic development and regional planning, cannot be handled lightly.
Therefore, I urgently request the Prime Minister to clearly indicate the government’s position on this matter.”
Christian Estrosi: I cannot accept that this project is called into question
“I have learned today that the government would consider reducing the number of high-speed train projects and launching an audit to ‘prioritize’ the different files.
It is inconceivable and unlikely that the government would consider backtracking on consensus projects that transcended political divides since we had reached an agreement in the PACA region on a single route Marseille – Toulon – Nice.
I denounce the government’s total disregard for local elected officials who have neither been consulted nor informed by the government.
While the PACA high-speed train project is unanimous in the Alpes-Maritimes, as indicated by the Regional Prefect, and we struggled to secure state support for the creation of a first section connecting Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to the east of the Var department, the government is considering, without consulting elected officials, questioning this major project for our territory.
I note that many major elected officials from left and right share this view and have already expressed it to the government. It seems to me that the sense of public service and the economic interest of our regions should not be sacrificed on the altar of political struggles.
This decision, following the harmful measures proposed by the Government in the coming finance bill against business competitiveness, is yet another blow to the economic development of our region.
The Le Muy/Draguignan section, underground, thus preserving the environment and not posing any constraints for local residents, is essential for the economic development of the Côte d’Azur and our region. It was, moreover, planned in the first phase of work, starting in 2018. It has been well demonstrated that this section is essential as the current line is saturated and cannot accommodate another track.
I reaffirm my total determination to fight for this project that the people of Nice and the Azuréens have been waiting for so long to finally be implemented.”
