A little over three months before the municipal election, the main lists running in Nice unveil their campaign platforms. Security, mobility, public services, and local democracy are the structure of very eclectic proposals. Here’s an overview, candidate by candidate.
Nathalie Dloussky – Together for the Greatness of France
The candidate places security at the center of her campaign. The assessment presented is that of a failure of current policies. Cited figures show an increase of 20% in burglaries and a 15% rise in urban violence by 2025, despite 2,500 cameras and 850 municipal police officers. Nathalie Dloussky denounces a “lost threshold of efficiency” and an annual cost of €500 million. The neighborhoods of Moulins and Ariane are cited as tension points, with crime dominated by repeat minor offenders.
The central proposal relies on a CIC (Citizen’s Initiative Referendum) constitutionally. The stated goal is to allow audits voted by neighborhood and a revision of the legal framework, deemed blocked by the Constitution and the ECHR. The program draws on the theories of Thibault de Montbrial and European comparisons. Amsterdam, Lisbon, and Stockholm are mentioned for their results in crime reduction.
On the international front, the list praises the “courage and determination” of the Trump administration in Venezuela. In its discourse, the list notes the “proportional use of force” against trafficking. Continuing on this theme, Nathalie Dloussky proposes “Operation Mediterranean Phoenix”, a civil-military mission against drug-producing countries, with a central role for Nice. The candidate mentions 1,500 anti-narcotics jobs in ports linked to this strategy and calls for the creation of a headquarters of financial experts and anti-money laundering specialists.
Mireille Damiano – Nice Popular Front
The head list includes free public transport as a structuring measure. The objective is presented as social, ecological, and health-oriented. The document recalls that 1.7 million daily trips are made in the metropolitan area, with only 12% by public transport. The “all car” logic is held responsible for congestion and pollution.
The outgoing majority’s record is criticized. The delay in the tramway network is highlighted, with 27 km in Nice compared to 66 km in Montpellier or 83 km in Lyon. The lack of service to peripheral municipalities is emphasized. The choices of routes and the breakpoints between lines are detailed at length. Mireille Damiano also mentions the increase in fares, with the cost per trip (Ticket revenue/number of validations) rising from €0.62 to €0.82 between 2022 and 2024, an increase of over 30%.
Free transport is presented as a comprehensive measure. The text cites 46 networks already concerned in France and 3.3 million users. Implementation would be gradual, with studies, consultation, free transport on weekends, then generalization. Funding would rely on mobility payments, tourist tax, an office tax, and a share of TICPE. The timeline extends to 2028, with an extension of the network to the east and west.
Christian Estrosi – All for Nice
The incumbent mayor addresses two fronts. The first concerns the line 4 tramway to Saint-Laurent-du-Var and Cagnes-sur-Mer. The campaign team denounces the positions of Bryan Masson and Éric Ciotti, accused of spreading “falsehoods”. The project cost is recalled at €328 million. The tramway is presented as a metropolitan project linking the airport, the Grand Arénas, Cap 3000, the Arnault Tzanck Institute, and downtown Cagnes-sur-Mer.
Christian Estrosi claims: “by opposing the tramway, the far-right defends immobility.” The declaration emphasizes the 250,000 m² of requalified public spaces, 1,500 trees planted, and 4,500 tonnes of CO2 avoided each year. Louis Nègre and Joseph Ségura support this position by highlighting the tramway’s capacity and the associated urban requalification.
The second axis focuses on adaptation of public services. Ten measures are detailed. The project includes a single online portal, five public service houses, extended hours, nurseries open until 7 p.m., care services on Saturdays, “emergency nannies”, a new plan for 1,500 nursery spaces, doubling the municipal allowance, a leisure center per school, and libraries open in the evenings and on Sundays. The goal is to adapt to current work rhythms and reduce administrative burdens.
Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux – United for Nice
The list also advocates for free transport. The funding would go through raising the mobility tax ceiling from 1.8% to 3.2%, to free up €360 million over six years. The project is presented as an investment in employment and transport offerings. The speech emphasizes public service and equal access to mobility.
A second aspect concerns the Nice Carnival. The list proposes free promenades for locals, while maintaining ticketing for visitors. A return to 21 floats is desired, with increased prominence for neighborhoods and associations. District carnivals would be developed.
The creation of a Children’s Carnival is suggested, along with a Carnival Museum at the future Palais des Arts et de la Culture. A public presentation of the 2027 Carnival is announced in case of election victory. The approach aims for an event “participatory, ecological, festive, and deeply Niçois”, according to the program terms.
Jean-Claude Spach – Eco.Citizen Alternative
Jean-Claude Wahid Spach-Kamel claims a candidacy outside of political parties. Citizen sovereignty is presented as the central measure. “The key measure is to reclaim citizens’ sovereignty,” explains the candidate. The project is based on neighborhood citizen assemblies and direct decision-making mechanisms.
The discourse emphasizes the continuity of engagement since 2020 and the desire for a “democratic revolution.” The diversity of backgrounds is highlighted, with varied professional experiences. This diversity is presented as a tool for understanding local realities.
The mandate concept is intended to be reversed. “The residents will tell us what we need to do. We will be their servants.” As the election approaches, the candidate calls for citizen confidence and to observe the intentions carried by the list.
Éric Ciotti – The Best is Yet to Come
The UDR deputy unveiled a list described as “non-partisan.” Among the names is Olivier Breuilly, former director-general of the city of Nice’s services. This nomination sparked a reaction from Christian Estrosi’s camp, mentioning contested working methods. Benoît Kandel refers to “childishness” regarding leaks.
The list includes personalities from the RN and the economic sector such as Jean-Pierre Rivère, Patrick-Marc Le Donne, and Françoise Souliman. The project aims to make Nice a European capital of AI, with Dr. Juliette Raffort in charge of the file.
The campaign is marked by heated exchanges between teams. Publicly used qualifiers include “smoke and mirrors” or “irresponsible”.
