A meeting for discussion and debate was held at Café Des Loges in Nice. After Yannick Jadot’s score (13.5%) in the European elections, the Europe Ecology – The Greens party is experiencing a surge in popularity. It is now time to contemplate the continuation of a green policy for the city of Nice, in view of the upcoming municipal elections in 2020.
It was an open and participative evening. A mix of curious individuals, current and former activists, and an opportunity to engage with other activists from the Socialist Party, the PCF, or LREM. Laurent Lanquar-Castiel, departmental secretary of the ecologists, stated, “It’s an open meeting, reflecting significant citizen mobilization during the European elections,” emphasizing, “Climate issues transcend all political divides.” During a roundtable, left-wing activists, as well as those from La République En Marche, expressed their concerns about climate issues.
“Nice is one of the most polluted cities in France”
Fabrice Decoupigny, a municipal councilor for Nice EELV, takes the campaign of Daniel Cohn-Bendit and his historic score during the 2009 European elections (over 16%) as an example. “Just like ten years ago, we have built a solid foundation. We moved from being mere ecologists to delivering a concrete message.” The geographer by training worries, “We must not leave the ecological debt to future generations.” The Greens have set their sights on the 2020 municipal elections as a challenge. They are keen to regain ground. Mari-Luz Nicaise, a former municipal councilor, recalls the 2001 municipal elections, “We almost won the city hall, we must remain united to the end,” a symbol of hope for all the EELV activists in Nice hoping to conquer the city hall.
Acting locally
Michel, a former professor and socialist, warns, “We must not only create programs for elections. We need to find objectives such as mobilizing in neighborhoods, combating voter abstention because there is potential to be found in those areas,” he says. Fabrice Decoupigny wants to act locally, “It’s the heart of the debate for the municipal elections, we are speaking to citizens, so we need to address all the issues,” he exclaims. He envisions “a peaceful city” with the construction of new social housing and the creation of community gardens for those who cannot afford them. According to him, ecology must “be at the center of discussions for the upcoming municipal elections.”
