“I remain a candidate for the upcoming municipal elections.” Jacques Peyrat, Senator Mayor of Nice, announced his candidacy for the municipal vote in these terms after acknowledging the UMP endorsement granted to Christian Estrosi. “It’s no surprise even though I don’t necessarily find this decision very fair,” the candidate for his own succession opines. “It’s the law of political life,” he adds fatalistically. He will not speak about his meeting with the President of the Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy. It is unknown what was offered to him in exchange for his withdrawal. However, he is determined to defend his record in front of the people of Nice. He makes it a principle: “The only endorsement that counts is that of the people of Nice. It is not up to Paris or a political party to decide.” He does not hesitate to compare his situation with that of Patrick Mottard, the PS dissident candidate: “On the other side, the legitimate candidate seemed to be Patrick Mottard, but the Socialist Party representative prevailed. Similarly, on our side, the legitimate candidate has not been designated by the UMP. There is an attempt of party supremacy over individuals, groups, networks, and the work accomplished.” Jacques Peyrat understands the need for endorsements for legislative elections but not for municipal ones. He relies on the town halls managed by non-partisan mayors. He cites his own example from 1995 when he was elected against party candidates. He intends to renew this victory in 2008 by relying on the Republican Alliance that gathers his supporters.
Few details have been released. It is known that he remains with the UMP. He has established a mini-schedule. He will focus on the City Hall of Nice and the Canca until January 1st. He will then launch his campaign, unveil his projects, and his list. It will be based on the Republican Alliance with people from “different backgrounds and even towards the center-left.” One might have expected him to openly challenge Christian Estrosi. He refrained: “He has his ideas. I do not share them. I respect them. He becomes an adversary.” Nonetheless, the angle of attack is emerging: “The City Hall of Nice is an enormous task. It’s a concern every day and even every night. There is also the work at CANCA. It includes 24 municipalities. Together, in terms of population, they represent half of the department.” He makes a subtle reproach: “It is surprising that he announced his candidacy before receiving the endorsement.”
At 76 years old, Jacques Peyrat will run for a third municipal term in Nice. This will be his 17th election. His candidacy, which he announced a long time ago (see Nice-Premium from January 21, 2007), balances the power dynamics. In Nice, both on the left and the right, there will be an endorsed candidate and a dissident candidate. This will be the Niçois particularity.
