They enthusiastically quote Shakespeare and Hannah Arendt to analyze the current political landscape in France and aim to recreate a space for reflection and dialogue within the city of Nice. Meet these supporters of a political but not partisan left.
“Finally, she comes and with a little pin, pierces the castle’s wall, and goodbye king!” There’s nothing like announcing the launch of the Citizen Forum with a quote from an eminent playwright like Shakespeare. Over a warm drink, the activists explain to me the necessity of establishing a space for speech and reflection, where citizens can and must speak up. They come from different backgrounds (associations, parties) but have known each other for many years. They are driven by the same energy and motivation to initiate political and societal debate.
On Saturday, December 1st, at the CLAJ hall, the first conference will take place, centered around the theme of democracy and citizenship. Such events followed by smaller, more interactive workshops will be organized every quarter. With the creation of this Forum, the goal is to enrich the political space of Nice with reflections and testimonies, a space considered far too constrained according to the project’s initiators.
For instance, the workshops held on Saturday will highlight the limited impact of the city’s neighborhood councils, allowing citizens to react and propose alternatives. For one of the involved individuals, it’s about “going beyond the presence of politicians” and believing in the importance of the associative world, often thought to be better connected to the realities of daily life.
“This mobilization is not intended to be linked to electoral deadlines,” I am informed. It’s a gathering of the left seeking to consider the current evolutions and transformations of society.
