In the right corner, Jacques Peyrat and Christian Estrosi have been facing each other since last Friday in a UMP primary, which will be judged by the right-leaning electorate of Nice (and even the more extreme right). In the more left corner, voters with left-wing sensibilities (or even extreme left with the game of alliances) will have to choose between Patrick Allemand and Patrick Mottard in a confrontation similar to the right-wing duel.
How did this situation arise?
Two candidates in each faction: political analysts say this is one of the most challenging contests to manage. Why make it simple when you can make it complicated in Nice? Thus, the two major local political currents, the UMP and the PS, have not succeeded in uniting their forces under the banner of a single candidate. On the left, it had been a few weeks since the two Patricks, Allemand and Mottard, had revealed their intention to run in the municipal contest. Christian Estrosi had followed suit with his candidacy announcement with an endorsement aroma, while Rudy Salles (New Centre) and Jean Icart (Various Rights), who were also temporarily candidates, will likely join the list of the Secretary of State from the Riviera.
The stage is set. Four potential candidates for a spot in the second round. The absence of Jacques Peyrat might have led Estrosi’s camp to hope for a first-round victory. The situation is new with the outgoing Mayor’s presence. The election, therefore, presents two exciting semifinals that could lead to a triangular or even quadrangular showdown of great effect.
The formation of teams and the establishment of lists with 69 names and surnames are beginning. Each side will analyze these meticulously. Jacques Peyrat now knows whom he can count on and especially whom he cannot, following the defection of some of his city councilors. To draft his list, it suffices to sift through the active members of the Republican Entente. Patrick Allemand announced the joining of Sophie Duez and Jospeh Ciccolini, from the MRC, and is negotiating with the PCF. Meanwhile, Patrick Mottard launched on his blog the arrival of Céline Lacroix and Franck Viano in his team. Christian Estrosi has remained rather discreet about his allies, who have not hesitated to highlight him in the media.
The countdown is underway for the four contenders for the mayoralty of Nice. They will have to convince the women and men of Nice to choose them and their program to build the Nice of tomorrow. It is indeed a vast program to conceive the right proposals and find the right moment to unveil them, and in this game, each one has strengths and weaknesses and will try to play up the former while hiding the latter as best as possible.
