To face a heavyweight of the UMP apparatus such as Auguste Verola* (paired with Françoise Monier), whose presence in municipal and general councils is lost in the mists of time and whose anchoring in the territory is confirmed, the FN has put forward a well-matched and willing duo on the field.
Certainly, Michèle Salles, a restaurateur with a business front on one of the most bourgeois streets of a canton that claims to be the voice of the average citizen, is eager to do well.
More involved in political life, the young Anthony Bonamy represents this generation of young people whose direct engagement in politics is the logical consequence of activism. After a few years abroad (in China), he returned to his region well-armed with convictions and ambitions.
This “all-right” duo will not lack spice.
“We are the patriotic candidates in the canton of Nice 1. Our goal is twofold: Locally, we will be a shield against the disastrous UMPS policies and contribute to Marine Le Pen’s political structure at a national level,” assert the two candidates from the outset.
Nice Premium: What will be your campaign themes?
AB/MS: There are many! Fighting against communalism, prostitution, the loss of the character of Nice’s neighborhoods, and acting on security. There is an emergency situation, and the department provides us with tools for this. Every day, our streets are plagued with new problems, consequences of massive immigration. We must curb the phenomenon of religious fundamentalism and guarantee the principle of secularism in school. The train station area has become a real trafficking zone. Human trafficking with the passage of numerous illegal immigrants (over 120,000 people last year), drug trafficking, insecurity. The recent events on Paganini street once again prove us right… We will strive to intervene!
NP: You claim to want to “set things right”—what do you mean by that?
AB/MS: Returning to reality in the face of UMPS candidates who use the alibi of proximity only to ensure the renewal of their mandates. We will promote the resolution of the immediate problems of daily life. Say stop to the monumental projects that the “Estrosi-Ciotti” system puts into motion with the Niçois’ money. End the indebtedness of future generations to private banking institutions on which we become dependent. Differentiate between spending for the promotion of elected officials and the real needs of the Niçois. Besides, from Avenue Jean Médecin to Magnan, one just needs to patiently walk down the streets to notice the progressive downgrading of some neighborhoods to the benefit of the hyper-center.
NP: There’s also a strong economic and social aspect to your goals…
AB/MS: Yes, we wish to redefine the criteria for allocating social housing by favoring the criterion of seniority. We wish to punish the real fraudsters, namely our politicians responsible for bankrupting our welfare system and our country… According to a report on departmental finances put online by “Contribuables Associés” on February 16, the Alpes-Maritimes ranks 9th in the Top 10 “most taxing departments per inhabitant.” We will therefore cut operational costs while focusing on the real needs of the population.
NP: Does your duo possess a specific trait?
AB/MS: Yes, through our complementarity, we are committed to so-called “localist” policies that favor shorter, less costly, and less polluting circuits. Thus, we will defend the interests of our small businesses, merchants, and craftsmen. We will notably try to impose organic or locally sourced canteens in colleges. Contrary to popular belief, this does not necessarily generate additional costs, and if it does, we will not hesitate to look for places to reduce spending elsewhere. We believe that the state must protect its population in all its components, thus it must ensure food security in its schools. The interest is twofold: better development for our children and the reduction of public expenses. Local economic and social coherence is a priority that must be expressed in all areas and for everyone…
NP: Some claim that you do not know the field…
AB/MS: That’s a gross mistake! While we admit the principle of a strong national issue, we do not forget the local! I (editor’s note: Michèle Salles) have lived in the canton for 10 years, I am a merchant and therefore attentive to people. I (editor’s note: Antony Bonamy) live between the Paillon valley and Nice, I’ve seriously grasped the canton notably through a long period of consultations and have been able to draw up a list of proposals and objectives in total coherence with the inhabitants’ needs. Our duo is complementary. Our opponents, on the other hand, struggle as best they can. They do not take responsibility for their failure. What matters above all is commitment, expertise, and skills.
NP: A final word?
AB/MS: We affirm that proximity is us because the protection of the population will be our sole objective! To face the UMPS which will soon form only one party, the National Front is the last resort and the only option.
