The mayor of Nice, Éric Ciotti, has responded favorably to the request from the French Communist Party of Alpes-Maritimes regarding the installation of a statue dedicated to Max Barel. This decision comes after an appeal launched on May 8, 2026, the anniversary date of victory against Nazism and the Liberation of France.
The French Communist Party of Alpes-Maritimes took advantage of the May 8 commemorations to demand public tribute to Max Barel, a figure of the Nice Resistance. Julien Picot, opposition municipal councilor and departmental secretary of the PCF06, had recalled the history of this « communist resister, arrested and tortured by the Nazis », presented as a symbol « of courage, commitment and loyalty to the ideals of social justice and human emancipation. »
The communist movement also emphasized the « collective duty » to preserve the memory of the Resistance « of the people and workers », in a context marked by the rise of far-right ideas in Europe and attempts to « trivialize or rewrite history. »
The PCF06 asked Éric Ciotti, mayor of Nice, to erect a statue in tribute to Max Barel on the square already bearing the resister’s name.
A resolution to be presented soon to the municipal council
Contacted by Julien Picot, Éric Ciotti announced his support for this initiative. The mayor of Nice praised « the memory of this great Nice hero, emblematic figure of the French Resistance. »
The city of Nice recalls the history of Max Barel, « brilliant polytechnician, decorated officer during the war », engaged in clandestine networks against Nazi occupation and the Vichy regime. Arrested by the Gestapo in Lyon in July 1944, Max Barel died under torture « without ever betraying his companions. »
A resolution must now be presented soon to the municipal council to allow the creation of a statue on the Max-Barel square.
Julien Picot reacted to this announcement in a press release. « The French Communist Party of Alpes-Maritimes is pleased to have achieved success: the mayor of Nice has decided to install a statue in tribute to Max Barel on the square bearing his name », wrote the PCF06 official.
The Communist Party believes this decision represents « an important victory » for the recognition of « popular, working-class and communist Resistance » in Nice. In a press release, the party also speaks of « profoundly republican and democratic significance » in a period when « some seek to downplay the crimes of fascism or rewrite history. »
The PCF06 says it wants to remain mobilized so that this tribute is realized « as soon as possible » and so that « the popular and anti-fascist history of Nice » continues to be passed on to younger generations.
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