On the occasion of a dinner-debate organized by the FN for its members and sympathizers, and in the presence of European MP Bruno Gollnisch, we were able to talk with Marie-Christine Arnautu, a candidate from the same party in the upcoming municipal elections in Nice.
Nice-Premium: One of the sharpest criticisms against you is that you are not from Nice. To put it more clearly, you are what is called a “parachuted candidate.” How do you feel about that?
Marie-Christine Arnautu: Thank you for asking me this question first, which allows me to address this issue once and for all. Of course, I am not from Nice. However, even though I accepted this electoral competition, it is because I believe I can build connections with this city. As my presence and contacts grow, I am reassured that accepting this candidacy was not a mistake.
Besides, no one blames me for not speaking ‘nissart’; everyone asks me what I will do for their city. I feel comfortable here and I assure you that, if I am elected mayor, I will live here permanently. Moreover, as mayor, it will be my only mandate; I do not have a passion for holding multiple mandates… Unlike others!
Nice-Premium: What are your initial impressions after a few months of the electoral campaign?
Marie-Christine Arnautu: They are positive. As you know, there is a pro-FN wave that polls reflect well. This allows me to focus on a very local-oriented discourse. My concerns are about debt (both City and Metropole included) but especially about security issues to which citizens are particularly sensitive.
Mr. Estrosi tries to present a tough image, but everyone can see it’s a caricature. If his policy were the right one, there wouldn’t be such exasperation from people. No one can believe that, after so many failures, the same person can change their policy.
Nice-Premium: What are your criticisms of the outgoing mayor?
Marie-Christine Arnautu: It’s simple: Our conception of politics is different. It’s no longer enough to self-congratulate on Twitter; people are not fooled. I am eagerly awaiting the debates to confront him. Apparently, he has some issues with this because he continues to extend the time for his official announcement. Probably to take advantage of his official status till the end.
Nice-Premium: Have you composed your list? Will it also include Jacques Peyrat?
Marie-Christine Arnautu: I have more names than the number of candidates possible on a list. I am now in the most delicate phase, that of composing and ranking it. However, I can assure you that this list will be very interesting, with quality men and women. I commit to sharing it with you within a few weeks, at least for the first fifteen names.
As for the presence, or not, of Jacques Peyrat, it deserves lengthy consideration.
For now, I can’t tell you more. Let’s say that if he is not with us, I can’t be blamed for not extending a hand to him.
