A month to the day after announcing his candidacy, Benoît Kandel opened his campaign office in a central neighborhood of the city.
The former first deputy reiterated that his candidacy aims to fill the void left by Eric Ciotti’s withdrawal in terms of political offerings to the right-wing electorate, which could be described as “traditionalist.”
In front of a good crowd of supporters, among whom were some future running mates, Benoît Kandel sought to clarify his position: “I do not fault Christian Estrosi for supporting Macron’s platform. Everyone is free to hold their own views. What I question is his desire to ‘simultaneously’ sincerely represent the right. Those who try to do too much often accomplish less. Thus, I will be the true right-wing candidate.”
By claiming the “political” legacy of the man who had wished to be Christian Estrosi’s challenger before facing the reality (unfavorable polls and the choice of his party’s presidency), is he hoping for a boost from Eric Ciotti?
That is what many think because the “armed peace” between the two strongmen of the local scene certainly hasn’t erased the differences and years of bad relations and underhanded tactics.
Naturally, the outgoing Mayor’s record was thoroughly scrutinized by his former collaborator.
Moving on to his program, the candidate listed his priorities: security, cleanliness, debt management but also transparency, fairness, and ethics in the city’s governance.
In the coming weeks, thematic conferences will provide in-depth insights into the solutions Benoît Kandel and his running mates intend to offer to resolve a situation which—according to them and despite the majority’s incessant propaganda—has more shadows than lights.
