Bit by bit, Christian Estrosi unveils his strategy. The Minister of Overseas Territories and candidate for the mayor of Nice, today presented five new “actors” to the Nice together list. No revelations have been made about the names of other coterminous candidates, who will also be announced gradually. Christian Estrosi is working to keep the suspense alive. “Today’s press conference is meant to continue presenting the Nice together co-listers. The complete list and the exact ranking of persons will be announced on February 17.”
Among the five personalities introduced, Lauriano Azinheirinha undoubtedly has the most political experience. Educated in political science and a member of the New Centre party, he is especially known as the chief of staff for Rudy Salles. He also served as the campaign manager for François Bayrou in the regions of PACA, Corsica, and Languedoc Roussillon. He is not the only member of the New Centre to join the Nice together list. Indeed, Master Véronica Vecchioni, a Franco-Italian lawyer at the Nice Bar Association, will also be on the list led by Christian Estrosi. The mayoral candidate has especially praised the young woman’s involvement with the Italian community of Nice, through various associations. Her “knowledge of cross-border issues” could also be utilized.
## Christian Estrosi Also Has His Paratrooper and His Star
Involvement in the associative milieu of Nice also distinguishes two other new co-listers. Sandrine Filippini, without a party label, advocates for better integration of the visually impaired into society. Another co-lister, François Rabut is the president of the Association of Legion of Honor members, having been knighted in 1958, for his section Nice-Villefranche. Drafted in 1955, he joined a paratrooper hunter regiment. This makes him a former “para,” just like the current mayor of Nice, Jacques Peyrat. Such a rally is also strategic for Christian Estrosi: he too can showcase former combatants on his electoral list.
But it is especially Denise Fabre who has captured the attention of the attending journalists. The former television announcer and presenter on Europe 1 had to defend her place on the Nice together list. “I am not familiar with the intricacies of power, and all that,” she admitted, adding “Nice needs to regain its place in France and in the world.” Christian Estrosi then came to her defense: “Denise Fabre will play an important role in the campaign. Not only because of her stature as a communicator, but also as a representative of the city of Nice,” he argued.
Furthermore, Christian Estrosi confirmed that the strategy of openness he advocates will continue in the coming weeks. “Elsewhere, exclusion is practiced. Here, we champion inclusiveness.” This strategy will still be measured. While the opening towards the New Centre is expected to continue, any alliance with members of the National Front is excluded.
