The “wonder-couple” of the 2014 municipal elections announced their intentions yesterday during a press conference: The alliance between Nice Réunie, led by Jean Icart, and the Entente Républicaine pour Nice, led by Jacques Peyrat, was made public with a single list that will represent them in the elections. “The path of reason” – as the former mayor of Nice stated – “has been laid out.” It now remains to give it a voice during the election campaign, but above all, to do everything possible to win over those crucial votes to transform this attempt into a success.
“Our label is Nice and our common cause seeks to make possible a different governance of the city, to stop this madness of self-glorification, waste, and untruths,” affirm the two candidates.
In short, this gathering is aimed at all those who wish to break free from a system controlled by political machines and open up to civil society and politicians from all backgrounds to form an efficient team. Deadline: End of the year, so as to be in fighting shape for the two critical months of the electoral campaign, when the head of this formation’s list must also be chosen.
“We will address citizens without political labels who make up the vast majority of voters (222,000 people), who want to participate in democratic life without going through the various party machinery. I am sure we will be understood and appreciated,” says Jean Icart.
The final word is for Jacques Peyrat: “If the political system is judged negatively by the people, a municipal election is about a person, a competent team and a program.”
The two Nice politicians are well aware that, in case of failure, this election may very well be their last battle. But, while displaying a rather low-profile attitude, possibly to emphasize the contrast with the flamboyant style they criticize of the outgoing mayor, their smiles suggest they believe in their lucky star.
Their critique, on the “other hand,” is uncompromising towards Christian Estrosi (How dare he claim he inherited a museum of horrors and found a field of ruin when I left him with accounts in order and 8.7 km of tramway, while he has a debt of over 1 billion, including the metropolis, and only built an additional 300 meters in 6 years? adds a Jacques Peyrat with an elephant’s memory) and somewhat condescending towards Marie-Christine Arnautu; “We are two Nice paratroopers up against a Parisian parachutist!” they declare in unison.
We leave the analysis of the barely sketched program, mainly focused on local management and a redefinition of the Métropole’s role and competencies, for future occasions.
Finally, regarding their grudge against Christian Estrosi, even if both officially deny it (“Our political ambition is behind us,” they claim), it should, in the coming days, lead to high-level jousting.
To be continued…
