Eric Ciotti: “write a new page for Nice”

Upon his arrival, applause rings out. At the Bellanda Tower, the setting is carefully chosen: below, the Bay of Angels; behind the candidates, a banner reading “Eric Ciotti, the best is yet to come” and the Nice flag adorned with an eagle. Eric Ciotti poses for photographs alongside his elected officials. Notably present by his side, despite his withdrawal, Jean-Pierre Rivère participated in the official photograph, as did Jean-Marc Governatori. The four deputies were also present, including Bernard Chaix and Christelle D’Intorni.

In the crowd, a passerby lets slip a comment tinged with amusement and disillusionment: “even the RN has turned to social issues.” Facing the press, the candidate details the composition of his team: “we bring together on this list a former bar president, a former doctor, a prefect, men and colonels, firefighters…” He emphasizes the variety of profiles and claims a powerful symbol with the presence of Jordan Miglis, a young athlete living with Down syndrome. “I considered it to be an emblem of inclusion just as significant as we wished to project into this world,” he declares while praising “an extraordinary man.” Catherine Moreau and Françoise Meunier, both departmental councilors, are also on the list. “There is also a personal connection,” he admits, noting that he had appointed them when he ran the department. According to Eric Ciotti, it is time to renew: “the system is exhausted, it has reached the end of its course. We greatly need change, alternation, simply beneficial alternation.“

He promises that this would not be “in denunciation or erasure“, but through adjusted continuity: “we wish to write new chapters, more optimistic, more logical, less costly, ensuring better protection for the people of Nice.“

Eric Ciotti: “the time for change has come”

Then, addressing his running mates gathered together for the first time as a whole, he adopts a more solemn tone: “we have a heavy burden, that of giving new hope to Nice […] The moment to bring about change has arrived, I am firmly convinced of it,” he keeps repeating. “Our objective is not to erase what has been accomplished, but rather to open a new chapter for Nice, a chapter more human, more supportive and more connected.“

The candidate lists the crucial issues such as purchasing power, security, housing, health, education and childcare places. He promises “a peaceful change of government” and rejects the idea of “turning the campaign into a boxing ring.“

Following the speeches and photos in front of the banner, the procession continues climbing higher. The event takes on an increasingly festive atmosphere. Some are already talking about the carnival planned for the afternoon. “From this moment on, it is general mobilization,” declares Eric Ciotti in conclusion. “The people of Nice hope, wish and await our triumph for an even greater, more beautiful and stronger Nice.” At the top of the Bellanda Tower, the candidate has set the direction: that of a campaign he desires to be conquering, united and focused on “a new era” for the city.