The challenge of the OK Corral (a popular western from the ’60s) between Christian Estrosi and Eric Ciotti is witnessing a new episode: the formation of an autonomous group within the departmental majority, named “Alpes-Maritimes Ensemble,” an extra-municipal extension of Nice Ensemble, which governs the Nice City Hall.
In short, these are the friends of Christian Estrosi, who intends to be at the forefront in the domain (until now reserved) of Eric Ciotti. A chess move in response to the offensive actions of the latter, who is increasingly present at all Nice inaugurations and events, a territory of which he is a deputy (“the only right-wing deputy in Nice,” he claims with a sly grin).
The friction between the two is intensifying, and the differentiation in political lines (ideological right for the Nice deputy, post-ideological pragmatism for the mayor of Nice) has given way to a personal issue.
Unfortunately, the challenge is just beginning and, like last week’s controversies (MIN) or perhaps soon (St. Roch Hospital), we are likely to witness many more.
Regarding the new departmental group, which will be presided over by the mayor of Saint-Laurent, Joseph Ségura (according to initial information), it will comprise 17 elected officials (the current majority being 50). It includes almost all the Nice municipal councilors (except for Auguste Verola, Bernard Asso, and Philippe Rossini… future members of an autonomous group in the Nice municipal council?), as well as the mayor of Carros, Charles Scibetta, the representative of Cagnes, and a few other loyal supporters of Christian Estrosi.
One can bet that other councilors are waiting to better understand in which direction the wind will blow before positioning themselves.
In any case, the time of the “paso doble,” when one could declare themselves friends of both, is coming to an end.
Joseph Ségura has set the tone: “We will vote on the deliberations in the general interest. We will not accept a policy of exclusion.”
The opposition (constructive, of course) is born. Enough to add a touch of color to the four amiable but unheard opponents from three different leftist groups (communist, socialist, ecologist).
For the new departmental president, Charles-Ange Ginesy, the road is going to be steep: after declaring his adherence to and continuity with the choices and actions of his predecessor Eric Ciotti, and affirming friendship, respect, and collaboration with Christian Estrosi, he risks finding himself at odds with both for this neutral stance.
In any case, you need eggs to make an omelet, and sooner or later, they will need to be cracked if institutional paralysis is to be avoided. The danger is indeed there.
