The environmentalist list leader Sophie Camard protests against Jean-Marc Governatori’s (Independent Ecologist Alliance) call to vote for Christian Estrosi in the second round of the regional elections.
Obviously, given the circumstances, this decision was not made for noble reasons but certainly based on the trade-offs obtained. The official one has been made public, and for the others, only future events will affirm or contradict them.
Moreover, instead of moralizing her competitors, Sophie Camard would be better off questioning how a list that claims to be ecological but is not necessarily well-known can surpass hers.
In fact, if we consider the score of the Co-operative Region (6.54%) which included EE-LV and FdG+Alternatifs, we could proportionally (and generously) attribute to Sophie Camard more or less 3%.
This is the result of a hesitant strategic choice (being the first left-wing list ahead of the PS and other allies), of an erratic, confusing, and incomplete campaign that the electorate sanctioned.
This might be the reason why the Governatori list has become so significant in the voting stakes.
Mrs. Camard would do better to face the facts rather than throw her hands up at the opportunism of others.
Statement from Sophie CAMARD (list leader of the Co-operative Region)
I am astounded to discover that an agreement might be concluded between Mr. Estrosi and Mr. Governatori for the creation of a pseudo Institute for Ecology, with a funding of €30 million, equivalent to 6 years of the €5 million budget. This agreement aims to trade Mr. Governatori’s 4% in favor of Mr. Estrosi for the second round.
The “Independent” Ecologist Alliance is very poorly named and thus reveals the small arrangements between locals.
What is this “Institute” going to be used for, since there already exists a Regional Agency for the Environment (ARPE), whose work is recognized, and should be preserved and even strengthened?
What purpose will this Institute serve when some of the announced tasks are redundant with existing budgets of the Region? The Region has already supported Amap and the first experiences of local currencies in our Region. And this does not cost €5 million per year.
A budget of €5 million per year is more than the €4 million per year budget of the much-contested Villa Méditerranée, from which Mr. Estrosi claims to part ways because it is too costly.
With €30 million, it would be preferable to continue the thermal renovation program for housing that the ecologists have advocated at the Region.
This sum could help finance work on 15,000 homes over three years.
I refuse this business-driven, clientelist ecology, which will further disillusion voters.
I will continue to advocate for a dignified and sincere ecology that is not sold out in the panic of an ultra-dramatized inter-rounds.
I call on Mr. Estrosi to cease his provocations, which risk backfiring at the polls on Sunday.
