It is well-known that relations are tense between the mayor of Nice and the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes. The fact is that the Mayor of Nice was otherwise accustomed to the predecessors of the current Prefect, who were very compliant with his will.
How can we forget that the former had asked the Prime Minister for their withdrawal over a ridiculous issue of “said or not said” during a meeting of a commission on school rhythms at which the mayor of Nice was not present but was reported to him by a supporter?
The public verbal exchanges between the two (rather aggressive on the side of Christian Estrosi, always spirited, more courteous but firm for the representative of the State) had indeed embarrassed those present.
More recently, it was the issue of the so-called mosque of the Plaine du Var that opposed them once again publicly.
Regarding this new episode of the ‘S’ files, one wonders about the ins and outs of a matter where the “unwritten” rules of diplomacy surpass all understanding. That’s how it’s done in these cases, and everywhere in the world, and that’s just that.
In any case, the Prefecture is merely executing the obligations that come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the context of diplomatic relations with the embassies of the countries of the concerned individuals.
Beyond the fact that it seems improbable that the suspected ‘S’ files as part of the entourage of the King of Saudi Arabia could have taken advantage of the occasion to commit criminal acts, how can one imagine that information classified as “defense secret” (if that’s the case) would be made public to please the sensation-seeking Mayor of Nice?
Christian Estrosi certainly has pawn pieces here and there with an eagle’s view and good ears useful for reporting back this type of sensitive information. Good for him.
In this case, the Prince of Talleyrand’s recommendations, who was well-versed in the art of intrigue, should be applied to these 006+1: “Not too much zeal…”
