Nice-Premium: How did your political commitment come about?
Céline Lacroix: Coming from the civil society, my commitment is primarily of a civic nature. I am now committing myself to the Democratic Movement because its desire for openness and its effort to build a social democracy proclaim a rejuvenated policy for our country. It is also the only policy that will ensure solid and lasting foundations on a European scale.
NP: In a few words, explain what being a deputy represents to you?
CL: As an elected deputy, committed solely to this mandate in order to devote myself fully, I commit to representing the aspirations, expectations, and legitimate demands of citizens, actively participating in the construction of the legislative framework, which will respect them, and which will lead our nation to live in harmony with reaffirmed democratic principles.
NP: In your opinion, what will this legislative election hinge on at the local and national levels?
CL: On the national level, the Democratic Movement will consolidate the desire to renew institutions and political practices, which François Bayrou has carried to millions of voters. Honesty and transparency guide us and will be recognized by an increasing number of voters.
France and democracy require a balanced power rather than the practice of full powers by a government and its “majoritarian” assembly. The UDF MODEM will play this role.
Locally, this means a desire to open up space for democratic discourse. UDF Democratic Movement 06 candidates are committed to practices and political actions that will reinvigorate our local political scene.
NP: Define the demographic, topographical, and cultural specifics of your constituency?
CL: The second constituency of Nice appears as an urban constituency, but it is truly at the heart of diversity in terms of populations, urban landscapes, and the countryside within the city… Nice’s heritage is rich, reflective of its population and the multiple cultural contributions that have nourished this diversity. This heritage must be enhanced and accessible to all of Nice, representing the bond they have to build together.
What the people of Nice need is to reclaim a quality of life. The city center neighborhoods, from Gambetta to Libération, from Borriglione to Dunant, must regain their economic dynamism, their buzz of life and activity. The residential neighborhoods and the Hills must have quick connections to the center, or to the road and highway accesses. Urban neighborhoods, where the population is concentrated, must be able to enjoy pleasant living spaces, cultural and recreational centers, gardens. It is unthinkable that a neighborhood like Pasteur should lack public gardens, where people can relax and stroll, where children can play without being on the street, on tarmac, and amidst exhaust fumes.
NP: What is your favorite place in your constituency?
CL: It is again this diversity that I appreciate. From the hills, the panorama is breathtaking. In the north of Nice, one can still find streets or neighborhoods that give the impression of living in a village at the heart of the city. I am looking forward to the completion of the tramway works allowing us again to appreciate the city center.
Personally, I have a special attachment to the Cimiez/Pasteur side of our city, having lived and worked there. As a student, a supervisory position at the Pasteur Professional High School was my first contact, over the course of 6 years, with the life of that neighborhood; the schools here are places of life, and the National Education represents the connection to the institution. Cimiez was a pleasant place to live; a coherent urban planning should allow everyone, in every neighborhood, to benefit from a decent living environment.
NP: Finally, what do you make of this first campaign in the big political arena? Were you pleasantly surprised or disappointed by any specific events?
CL: A few days before the first round of the legislative elections, the whole campaign team is focusing its strength and keeping its determination. A short campaign means multiplied activity for all, but our desire to express a renewal of political life in Nice is finding a favorable, even enthusiastic response among the population we meet in the streets and living spaces of the 2nd constituency.
