The statement by the Mayor: “Today we have a disfigured communal palace, which once was our pride. The only remaining public baroque building in Nice. I want the past to be revived here. Because this past is our pride. Proud of our history and strong for our future.”
During a press conference regarding the future of Place Saint François, Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, announced that the CGT will not return to its old premises.
“The trade unionists will not appropriate the heritage of the people of Nice, I say this very clearly, they will never reintegrate their old premises, I want to return the communal palace to the people of Nice.”
The historical renovation of the monuments and facades, with a cost of 7 million euros, will allow for:
- The creation of a museum of Nice’s communal memory, essentially a house of Nice pride;
- The development of exhibition and activity rooms, especially for seniors, in the former Capitol hall;
- The renovation of the square and its fountain, the 1938 fountain;
Reaction from Patrick Allemand, PS Municipal Councillor
“Christian ESTROSI has just confirmed that the CGT will not return to Place Saint François?
Who could have imagined otherwise except for some leaders very attached to this place, which has marked the history of the labor movement in Nice?
It would have required a Mayor of Nice who respects the history of his city. But, faithful to Nicolas SARKOZY, including his main faults, he reneges on his word given.
While keen to respect trade union independence, the elected officials of the Changer d’ère group assure the CGT of their solidarity and support and will join any initiative taken to make the Mayor back down, who, once again, is trying to deal a bad blow to the forces of progress.”
Reaction from Robert Injey and Emmanuelle Gaziello, Group Communists and Republicans of the Municipal Council in Nice
“Reneging on his commitments as Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi shows us his true colors and lets his disdain for the labor movement speak.
All the “arguments” put forward by the Mayor of Nice cannot deny a history. That of the CGT, a major force in the labor movement of the Alpes Maritimes, present on Place Saint François since the end of the 19th century. A presence marked by the great dates of the labor movement, like 1936, liberation from the Nazi occupier, 1968…
A presence closely linked to the history of our city.
But this history does not interest the supporter of the future ex-President of the wealthy. On the eve of the second round of the presidential election, which could result in a severe sanction for his mentor, Christian Estrosi wants to settle scores with the main trade union organization.
Pitiful attitude of a former minister who claimed to be the minister of workers and who now engages in an authoritarian drift against the unions.
A logical attitude of a mayor always quick to sell out the interests of the City of Nice and its inhabitants in favor of Vinci and others like Veolia.
Christian Estrosi can count on the determination of the communists and the Left Front to bring the CGT back to Place St François.”
