It was supposed to be a formality, and so it remained. On the other hand, last Sunday’s election results were overwhelmingly in favor of the two departmental right groups: the “macro-compatible” group led by Christian Estrosi and the one led by Eric Ciotti, which, by extension, Christian Estrosi dubbed “lepeno-compatible”.
Charles-Ange Ginésy was unanimously re-elected as president of the Departmental Council, a position he has held since 2017, after serving as 1st Vice-President from 2008 to 2017. Not a single vote was missing for him (including his own), while the two socialists representing the opposition chose not to participate in the vote.
The twelve councilors of the “estrosiste” movement voted for him, despite not being included in the formation of the majority group with “ciottiste” affiliation: were they excluded, or did they exclude themselves?
With emotion, he said: “I have a thought for my father, who taught me everything and repeatedly told me, ‘do well and let them talk’, and expressing his pride: “I still have so much energy to offer for our territory and our residents”, Charles-Ange Ginésy gave a brief inauguration speech, recalling the highlights of the previous mandate and outlining the key commitments of the new one, which naturally follows in continuity but with the ambition to see far ahead, even very far: “By 2050, we aim to make the Alpes-Maritimes Department an innovative Think Tank focused on collective reflection. A laboratory of ideas to provide the Maralpins with answers in the fields that concern you!”
His outgoing team, resulting from a fruitful electoral consultation for the right-wing even if the result has to be interpreted through the lens of a record abstention rate which, to some extent, invalidates its political interpretation, will remain the same in the key roles, even though many new members have joined.
At the top of the list is Eric Ciotti, president of the majority group who will act as a co-president, dictating the political line and strategic orientations. Announced as the chairman of the finance committee, he will have the ability to open or close the coffers according to his personal considerations.
The First Vice-President is Xavier Beck, also re-elected, who has proven his loyalty and allegiance to the “ciottiste” line.
The role of the opposition is reduced to the right of discourse, to the simplest expression of “flatus vocis”. In her speech, Marie-Louise Gourdon won the sympathy reserved for the bold, wishing for a “rapport in good understanding”, while advocating for “attentive vigilance”. Unfortunately for her, representative democracy is also the law of numbers, and when you are 2 out of 54…
It remains to be seen how the “estrosiste” elected officials position themselves now that they are not part of the majority, with no delegation entrusted to them, effectively excluding them from the management of the community. The future, near or distant, will tell if they will accept their marginalization. Foil, épée, or saber?
The next public session, scheduled for July 16, may tell us more.
