As at the beginning of every year, the leaders of the various local institutions invite their guests.
This Tuesday, January 3, it was the turn of Georges-François Leclerc, Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes.
A special back-to-school event for the crème de la crème of Azurian politics. Mayors and other high-ranking officials had to endure the wait in line to be able to enter. Of course, Christian Estrosi and his close entourage, Philippe Pradal and Marine Brenier, among others, were granted exceptions. The one who kept everyone waiting was Eric Ciotti, who eventually entered through a back door, carefully avoiding the questions from the few journalists present.
Brief Speech
The procession to the large reception hall continued. No chairs were set, but the heating was far stronger than necessary to welcome the evening’s guests. They were all standing, ready to listen to the young (for the position) and newly appointed prefect Georges-François Leclerc, 50 years old. Admittedly uninitiated in Niçoise customs, he was joined by high-ranking officials Estrosi, Ciotti, Estrosi-Sassone, Brenier, Pradal, among others. A simple speech, a little over 20 minutes long, mostly improvised and meant to unify after the sad days of summer in Nice.
“There are heroes in this room, decorated or not. People who in July 2016, police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, acted as such. There are also anti-heroes, humble and friendly, perceptive. And then there are the everyday heroes, the teacher, the mayor, the one who, regardless of status, is Niçois. The one I see on December 31 strolling along the Promenade or the Cours Saleya. The one who stands up and walks with head held high. I wish a very happy new year to all these heroes.”
The audience of the day was then invited to a simple and modest honorary aperitif, during which they could mingle with the politicians. Brief wishes that will lead to others in the coming days.
