This promising young figure in the politics of the Riviera region has a charisma that is rather reassuring, if not flamboyant. A man of influence, if not power, as he is part of Christian Estrosi’s “inner circle,” who presides over the destiny of all political and administrative institutions of a territory he leads with a firm hand.
If influence, meaning the ability to weigh in on decisions that are the responsibility of others, implies making noise or acting silently, there is no doubt that Pascal Condomitti has chosen the latter option.
The one that allows more listening and less assertion of authority.
He could be listed among those who, in the corridors of the Vatican, a world where rejoinders exhibit a humor that is both subtle and insidious, are called the “holy spirits” … always present but invisible!
Nice Premium: How did you discover your passion for politics?
Pascal Condomitti: As a teenager, I watched political events on television and tried to understand the logic of their unfolding. Later, I wanted to get directly involved so I could express my convictions and move from the role of spectator to that of actor.
This is because I believe in politics in the noble sense of the term, meaning acting for others.
NP: And you started your career…
PC: Initially, it was purely an act of commitment. First among the youth of the RPR, then alongside Christian Estrosi when he became departmental secretary in 1997. In 2001, I had my first elected mandate as a municipal councilor in Peone-Valberg.
In the meantime, after finishing my studies (postgraduate degree in financial engineering at the University of Nice), I entered the professional world and worked as a consultant for a business creation company. It was only in 2005, when Christian Estrosi became President of the General Council, that I joined his office, combining my passion with my professional life.
In 2008, I followed my mentor to the Town Hall, and for a few months now, I’ve been the Chief of Staff. But I have not given up on the UMP Party. I remain a committed activist with responsibilities as Deputy Departmental Secretary.
NP: A path in symbiosis with the current mayor of Nice, then…
PC: In a way, yes. But it happened quite naturally because I totally share his objective: to contribute to the modernization of Nice. And to do it by overcoming the divide between the County of Nice and the rest of the department.
Don’t forget that Christian Estrosi, then President of the General Council, always had the Alpes-Maritimes as his area of action. An action that Éric Ciotti, his alter ego, continues in the same direction today.
NP: You mentioned Éric Ciotti’s name. Everyone knows his closeness to Christian Estrosi. Some rumors suggest a certain “political distancing” between these two key figures in Nice’s political life. Can it be said that these have no real basis?
PC: Absolutely! And for a simple and understandable reason: these two individuals, personal friends, have built their careers together and with reciprocity. They are and will be intelligent enough to continue working together. There is no reason for it not to be so.
Let the gossipers enjoy spreading these lies.
NP: Another question. We see a lot of the Mayor on the forefront, and it seems like there isn’t a municipal team, but, as they say, a single man in charge…
PC: That’s a false impression. The team working with Christian
Estrosi is rich with competent people, but they aren’t necessarily as media-exposed. So, one might get an image that doesn’t match reality. There is a strong team working with the necessary cohesion for the smooth operation of municipal actions.
NP: Finally, what are the relations with the opposition and what is
your opinion about the work done after more than two years of term?
PC: First, I think we must respect the opposition, which is as important as the majority in a democracy. Moreover, I think a strong opposition is useful to the majority because it stimulates them to perform well, even to always do better. Naturally, I’m satisfied when a deliberation is voted unanimously. It means we are heading in the direction of being useful to our city’s citizens.
The review of two and a half years of activities can only be partial. But we are reassured by the reports that endorse the actions of Christian Estrosi. That is the best reward for our work.
