It is the fine writing of Paul Barelli who, in Le Monde, finally revealed a secret that was not really a secret for insiders anymore. But for others, the information is quite surprising when you know the relationship that united the two strong men of Azorean politics over the past few years. Will friendship turn into rivalry, or is it a maneuver by the opposition as the two local UMP leaders are still struggling to make people believe?
It’s not easy to get a clear and precise idea when you’re not privy to these men’s secrets. But, as Paul Barelli notes, many warning signs had already been detected by local journalists as well as by elected officials, activists, or sympathizers who, on the whole, prefer to remain anonymous, a choice that is probably very valuable to them. Indeed, if the duel were to be confirmed, it will be necessary at some point to “choose a side,” and for some, this will certainly not be easy, just under two years before the next municipal elections.
For if the presidential and legislative elections are to be classified as things of the past, the upcoming municipal election is today in the sights of most elected officials, from all political affiliations, and while Christian Estrosi seemed to be the natural candidate for 2014, many are now considering an option that seemed “supernatural” just a few months ago.
But, as is known, the road is long (and often very winding), and much will pass under the bridges of the Var or Paillon before the race for the nomination truly begins.
Still, a new scenario might well be proposed to militants and sympathizers of the 2nd Federation of the UMP in France which, like all its counterparts, is set to elect its new President, with for now the sole candidacy being François Fillon, who entrusted the direction of his campaign to… Eric Ciotti.
A strong signal for some, a targeted choice for others, nevertheless, the Deputy and President of the Alpes-Maritimes General Council has, once again, scored valuable points, both at the heart of his movement and in the hearts of his loyal supporters.
As for the Deputy Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, Christian Estrosi, he has not taken a stance and remains confined to the role of general secretary of the “Friends of Nicolas Sarkozy” who are expected to meet on August 23 and 24 here in Nice for their first official outing. Will it be one of new political engagement, or will it remain, having refused the “right of inventory” demanded by some, within the framework of a “duty of memory”?
To be continued…
