Driven by professionals in the sector, backed by mayors and elected officials, the Government has reconsidered its strict stance regarding the opening of beaches.
Using administrative language, the Prime Minister, during his conference yesterday afternoon on the conditions and measures for easing lockdown, spoke of “maintaining the ban but with possible exceptions,” opening a door through which there will inevitably be many passages.
Hoped for June 2, the start date of the summer season could even be moved forward, depending on the decision of the Prefect “at the request of the mayors,” who will need to ensure measures to maintain physical distancing.
The scenario is already written and the path is laid out: the lobby of private operators will pressure the municipalities, which will escalate their cases to the Prefect, who will have to arbitrate.
Will he be able to oppose if necessary? We remember the tense, even conflicted, relationships between the territory’s Mayors (led by Christian Estrosi) and a former Prefect during the implementation of the Peillon law on school rhythms and the organization of extracurricular activities.
In Nice, there are significant figures in the sector (René Colomban, national president of the association, Denis Cipollini, president of the hoteliers, the Cannatella family, and others) who will assert their reasons and… interests.
One dares not imagine the controversies in case of refusal. In any case, it is good news for the local economy.
For now, Christian Estrosi has announced that he does not wish for the beaches in the commune to reopen immediately: “I will deliver the main public spaces, I will assess later to consider the reopening of the beaches.”
Less nuanced, the deputy Cédric Roussel (LREM), who, with other parliamentary colleagues, had urged the Government in this direction, welcomes the Prime Minister’s communication: “This is a promising prospect for our citizens in the Alpes-Maritimes, for whom the beaches are places for walking, sports activities, and access to the sea. It is also an opportunity to reconnect better with nature and our environment to support this easing of lockdown.”
