Freed from the longest ministerial reshuffle in France and the new European and green movement, the next elections that will take place in a few weeks are the cantonal elections scheduled for March 20 and 27, 2011. Here’s a brief analysis of the Nice battles that are shaping up.
Duels in the Sun
In Nice, some exciting electoral contests are set to take place, notably in the 14th canton, which undoubtedly has the most impressive starting lineup with the incumbent PS candidate, Paul Cuturello, who will have a lot to contend with against Dominique Estrosi-Sassone, the deputy mayor of Nice, as well as the outgoing mayor who is engaging in a last stand that will determine his presence or absence in the future municipal elections. However, while this confrontation will rightly attract all eyes, other duels will also provide numerous indications on the popularity of political currents in Nice. While Jacques Victor does not seem likely to be unsettled in the 3rd canton, the Mottard couple will still have a tricky task ahead facing two deputy mayors of Nice—Catherine Moreau in the 5th facing Patrick Mottard, and Bernard Baudin in the 7th facing Dominique Boy-Mottard. These two duels will gauge the political climate and reveal whether the actions of the Nice municipality, led by Christian Estrosi, resonate in the Nice neighborhoods.
Does Unity Make Strength?
And one hatchet buried! The two Patricks of Nice have finally decided to team up for the upcoming cantonal elections as well as the forthcoming municipal ones. No socialist candidate in the two cantons held by the Mottard couple, and no satellite candidate from “Gauche Autrement” in other cantons concerning socialist candidates. It’s only fair play, but does this mean that the electoral battles are to be relegated to the annals of memories for the two local left leaders? To be continued…
Who Against Benoît Kandel?
While all the potential candidates are known to date, there is still uncertainty concerning the socialist candidacy in Nice’s 12th canton. Will Patrick Allemand stand against the First Deputy Mayor of Nice? It appears to be headed that way unless, as in the previous election, Frédérique Grégoire Concas is ultimately chosen to try this time to reverse the previously favorable trend for the outgoing general councilor.
Under What Label?
It’s difficult to see who could replace Olivier Bettati in the 8th canton of Nice, which he leads with an iron hand. No left-wing candidacy has been announced yet, but Rémi Gaechter, defeated in the last election and a Nice municipal councilor, might very well try his luck again with the “Debout la République” candidate, Dominique Laporte. The only question that ultimately arises is the label under which Olivier Bettati will lead this new electoral campaign. Logically, he should run under the colors of the Nice municipal majority, but logic in politics…
