Sian d’Aqui: What actions do you plan to take in favor of restoring the appeal court?
Christian Estrosi: Despite the many obstacles we face, as I have done in the past, I will continue this challenging fight and will take determined action with the Minister of Justice.
Sian d’Aqui: What facility will be established at the location of the current South Station?
Christian Estrosi: A community center that includes an underground parking, a sports hall, a daycare center, a police station, a 1,000-seat theater, and an event space under the glass roof.
Sian d’Aqui: What is your stance on the grand stadium and what is the expected timeline for its completion?
Christian Estrosi: A stadium that can host major competitions like the Euro 2016 football tournament and be worthy of the Nice team and its fans will be built in the Var plain. I commit to its completion within 30 months. In this perspective, I have entrusted Gilbert Stellardo, the main shareholder of OGC Nice, with a mission, and I am working in close consultation with Maurice Cohen, president of the club.
Sian d’Aqui: Don’t you find it legitimate for Nice to become the regional capital in a new administrative division?
Christian Estrosi: It would be legitimate, but I know this debate will not be reopened. Let’s not engage in battles that we are certain to lose.
Sian d’Aqui: What actions do you plan to implement for the learning of the Niçois language in schools, colleges, high schools, and universities?
Christian Estrosi: Within its remit, the city will participate in the initiation of Niçois and will encourage optional Niçois language courses in elementary schools. Middle schools and high schools are not under municipal jurisdiction. At the university, as I have done in the past, I will support the development of Nissart language.
Sian d’Aqui: Do you intend to continue or improve the celebration of traditional Niçois festivals?
Christian Estrosi: Traditional Niçois festivals are central to our history and culture. I want to give them a new start to develop them further and to enhance their recognition.
Sian d’Aqui: What future for the Carnival?
Christian Estrosi: The Carnival needs a new impetus, turning it into a popular festival by relying on local artists and involving the community of the districts.
Sian d’Aqui: Do you think the venues for Niçois cultural expressions are sufficient or satisfactory?
Christian Estrosi: These places are insufficient, everyone agrees. It is necessary to provide local artists with places for creation (Spada, South Station, etc.) and venues for performance.
Sian d’Aqui: What measures do you plan to implement to promote and disseminate Niçois culture?
Christian Estrosi: The opening of the House of Heritage, Language, Arts, and Niçois Folk Traditions in Old Nice will facilitate the reception and dissemination of Niçois culture. A space will be dedicated to the dissemination of all Niçois creations, past and contemporary. In the programming of the Francis Gag theater, the segment dedicated to expression in Niçois language will be maintained, and the creation of plays in Nissart will be encouraged.
Sian d’Aqui: Can we consider in the urban planning charters a section on Niçois identity?
Christian Estrosi: Yes, drawing inspiration from the Concilio d’Ornato of 1832.
Sian d’Aqui: What are your proposals to promote and enhance Niçois identity?
Christian Estrosi: In schools, promote the learning of Niçois history and traditions. For the general public, consider creating bilingual documentation and enhancing bilingual signage, especially in the heart of historic Old Nice. Emphasize the heritage and historical aspects of Nice and showcase personalities representative of the history of Nice. Make the future House of Heritage, Language, Arts, and Niçois Folk Traditions a center of life, cultural dissemination, and tourist welcome.
