From early in the afternoon, as if anticipating a victory, caterers were parked in front of Christian Estrosi’s office on rue Saint François de Paule. As during the first round, screens were set up at the entrance to watch France3. A platform, a lectern, microphones, and barriers serving as a press area: everything was planned in anticipation of a victory for Christian Estrosi. The street was even blocked off. Supporters, sympathizers, or just the curious gathered there. Attentive and eager. Journalists almost as numerous.
Just before 9 p.m., a cheer arose: according to early estimates, Christian Estrosi was elected mayor of Nice. Then silence. The few hundred people present watched the TV, occasionally commenting on the interventions of the political figures invited to the studio. Eyes glued to the screen. Around 10 p.m., a car stopped. Christian Estrosi got out. He quickly entered a door and reappeared a few minutes later through the opposite door. He threaded his way through the cameras and photographers, answered questions on the fly, and then climbed to the platform. Surrounded by his running mates, he would spend 12 minutes expressing his joy at being elected mayor of Nice.
“You have chosen change tonight. I have chosen to give my all to my city. I want to turn a challenging page in Nice’s history.” These few words sum up Christian Estrosi’s speech. The audience reacted to the announcement of his resignation from the government. They also applauded the tribute to the former mayors of Nice. “I just want to tell you, people of Nice: I love you. I will give you my best. I will not deceive you. I will not betray you. To you, my city Nice, I say I love you from the bottom of my heart. Starting tonight, we will get to work to make Nice a great city. Together, tonight, Nice enters a time of change.” The speech ended, and “Nissa la Bella” was sung in chorus by Christian Estrosi and his running mates while confetti fluttered in the Niçois sky. Christian Estrosi crossed the barriers to mingle with the crowd, engaging in hugs and handshakes. For a moment, one might believe he was heading to the Town Hall, located just a few meters away. He turned back before locking himself in his office to continue the festivities privately.
