Nice-premium: Why did you decide to resign from the Republican Entente?
Brigitte Tanauji-Dahan: My desire was to remain a member of the Republican Entente as long as we constituted a true opposition group in the City Council. But with the events of the past few days – the resignation of six out of nine group members – I no longer see the point in staying within the group. The national situation has also evolved. I have always been with the UMP, I followed all the campaigns. When I followed Jacques Peyrat in 2001 – he was elected under the RPR label at the time –, I did it because I believe he is a good mayor. I continue to think so, in the context of him being reelected this year. Now, the senatorial elections are looming. It is preferable for us to rally around the UMP, the major national party to which we belong.
NP: Why did you resign several days after the other Republican Entente city council members?
B. Tanauji-Dahan: I’ve been thinking about this for a few days, even weeks. Today, I don’t see the point in joining another right-wing group. So, I remain alone. I am curious to see how the group formed by five of the six dissenting members of the Republican Entente will evolve.
NP: What will become of the Republican Entente now? What does Jacques Peyrat think about these chain resignations?
B. Tanauji-Dahan: I have no idea what the Republican Entente will become. A meeting was planned for September to decide our future, whether to continue our action or not. I also don’t know Jacques Peyrat’s opinion: that’s a question for him! Nevertheless, I believe that there is still a militant reality in the Republican Entente, which will allow it to continue to exist.
NP: What role will you now play in the City Council? Will you move closer to the UMP or, on the contrary, join this new group created on the right?
B. Tanauji-Dahan: My approach will be very simple: if a proposed project benefits the people of Nice, I will vote for it. Otherwise, I will speak out and oppose such action. From now on, I will be free, not subjected to anyone’s dictates. I will use my experience in the field and understanding of the municipal workings to serve the people, to move things forward. I adopt the same position as Isabelle Delage, but that doesn’t mean we will always share the same opinions in the City Council.
NP: In a recent interview with Nice-Premium, Isabelle Delage said she felt “on the right, like the UMP list in power.” Do you also feel close to Christian Estrosi’s ideas?
B. Tanauji-Dahan: I recognize that Christian Estrosi has had an exemplary political journey. That does not prevent me from remaining very observant regarding how his ideas might be implemented. I am with the UMP: I have to listen to them attentively. But I don’t want to fall into perpetual criticism, like the left. As Christian Estrosi says, “Good ideas are always welcome.” I live by that maxim.
NP: We are reaching the end of the first 100 days of Christian Estrosi’s mandate. How would you assess his actions so far?
B. Tanauji-Dahan: With his deputies and team, he has managed to deliver on significant electoral promises. There is a real improvement felt in certain neighborhoods of the city. However, they have not managed to accomplish everything set out for the 100 days. The previous administration left a very beautiful city. The current team only has to continue this momentum.
