The municipal majority has supported the election of an opposition member as president of the finance commission. This decision is presented as a political commitment, as the city council is set to examine several key issues this Friday, April 24.
Just hours before a busy city council meeting, the political landscape in Nice is witnessing a unique institutional signal. The presidency of the City of Nice’s finance commission now belongs to Julien Picot, a member of the “The Left and the Ecologists” group. The majority group supported this appointment, in line with a promise made during the municipal campaign.
Éric Ciotti discussed the framework of this decision: “In accordance with the campaign promise I made to entrust the presidency of the financial commissions of the city of Nice and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis to an opposition representative, the majority group supported the election of Mr. Julien Picot, a member of the ‘The Left and the Ecologists’ group, at the helm of the City’s Finance Commission.”
The stance is intended to be institutional. The reference to the workings of the National Assembly is explicitly claimed. “This choice, inspired by our Constitution for the Presidency of the Finance Commission at the National Assembly, is part of a desire to respect democratic balances.”
The majority announces its intention to extend this approach to the metropolitan scale. “In the same spirit, we will also support the candidacy of a left-wing representative for the Presidency of the Metropolis Finance Commission.”
The new official’s speech emphasizes a desire for change in local political practices. “We are thus establishing governance respectful of the opposition, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect for institutions. Through this approach, we turn the page on past practices that we no longer wish to see continue.”
An Assumed Political Move
From the opposition’s viewpoint, the appointment is acknowledged as a political act. Julien Picot highlights the significance of his approach: “During today’s finance commission, I put forward my candidacy for the presidency of the City of Nice’s finance commission. This choice is not trivial: I took Éric Ciotti at his word, who had stated he wished to let this responsibility to the opposition, and thus was elected as president of this commission.”
The communist elected official speaks of an active role for left-wing councilors. “Left-wing municipal councilors have been elected to act, not to be mere spectators. The presidency of the finance commission is an essential tool: it allows access to valuable information and to make it known to the people. For our sole compass is the general interest.”
The tone becomes more critical on the matter of local budgetary directions: “We will strongly oppose the ultra-liberal budgetary directions spearheaded by Éric Ciotti, which are leading the city and the Metropolis into a financial deadlock. That’s already 50 million euros less in the community’s coffers, as many resources stripped from public services and residents.”
Julien Picot emphasizes his role as a financial watchdog. “It is clear that if the conditions for carrying out our missions were not met, if the opposition was hindered from working seriously, we would denounce it publicly and without delay.”
Finally, the municipal official concludes with his personal commitment. “I will put all my experience in local finance and my political determination at the service of the citizens of Nice, and I will fight tirelessly to defend their interests.”
A City Council Under Budgetary Strain
This appointment comes on the eve of the city council meeting scheduled for Friday, April 24 at 9 a.m., at the Nice City Hall. The session will also be broadcast online. The agenda includes several deliberations related to finance, security, culture, and local public policies.
Among the measures to be examined, the reduction in local direct tax rates for 2026 is at the top of discussions. The city proposes a reduction presented as support for purchasing power, made possible by savings achieved.
The financial package also includes the adoption of the budgetary and financial regulation, the early resumption of 2025 results, and adjustments for the 2026 budget. Program authorizations and balancing grants to certain boards are also planned.
On the security front, the council is set to decide on strategic directions aiming to reinforce the presence and coordination of local forces. The development of specialized units and the use of technological innovations are being considered.
Other key issues complete the agenda. A feasibility study concerns the creation of a large hall for the Nice National Theater in the South Station. A plan for adapting and thermally renovating public schools for the 2026-2027 period is also submitted for voting.
Finally, several local bodies need to be renewed or created. The board of directors of the Communal Center for Social Action will undergo member appointments. The creation of a High Municipal Health Council is also planned, with the appointment of its representatives.
