The former president of the Parc Impérial neighborhood committee will run for the cantonal election in the 8th canton of Nice “apart from all political groups.” “My candidacy is that of a man committed to the 8th canton for years, both professionally and civically,” said Hervé Caël while announcing his candidacy.
Dramatic turn of events… Hervé Caël, known as a MoDem activist and suspected of a possible nomination by the local UMP, probably disappointed by the candidacy (albeit late) of the outgoing general councilor, Olivier Bettati, has thrown down the gauntlet of challenge and will indeed participate in the electoral competition this spring without a political banner but with much enthusiasm and the will to succeed.
In truth, the dramatic turn is relative because there was a strong feeling that Hervé Cael wanted to go for it… He probably hoped until the end that the UMP would eventually “abandon” the incumbent Olivier Bettati (rumored to have less than ideal relations with the “duo” in power in Nice and the department and benefiting from a “small” helping hand from Paris) to choose a “joker” well-rooted in the territory for his multiple professional and associative activities.
The new candidate was keen to explain the reason for his decision: “I decided to run on January 6 at 7:30 PM after a discussion with a merchant, realizing once again that the interests of the people and merchants in the neighborhood were not at the center of Olivier Bettati’s activities and that he did not have a useful program for the life of the territory’s inhabitants. I believe the general councilor must be a local representative invested in the canton and well-acquainted with the issues, defending them like a lawyer.
Sincerely, I think Olivier Bettati, after 23 years of political life, of which 17 years were as a general councilor, no longer has the essential commitment for this role, at least as I conceive it. He is a friendly and kind person, but I believe I have a better profile than him to defend the interests of the territory. I am aware that my electoral path will not be easy, but my candidacy aims to be a unifying one, and why couldn’t I create a surprise? If elected, I will not engage in systematic opposition to President Ciotti, nor do I position myself as a systematic opponent to Christian Estrosi in the city of Nice.”
In short, the competition promises to be interesting, and Hervé Caël will be a formidable challenger for Olivier Bettati, who, when interviewed, appeared to be a good sport: “Everyone has the right to run for election. It’s democracy breathing,” he told us.
Here are the topics that will fuel Hervé Cäel’s electoral campaign:
- Security
- Urban planning
- Local commerce
- Heritage and identity preservation
- Sustainable development
- Social action
