Laurent Hottiaux, appointed Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes on April 28, 2025, met the local press for the first time. He officially took office this Monday at the Palais des Sardes in Nice. A direct and voluntary initial contact.
Successor to Hugues Moutouh, whom he honored in his first words, Laurent Hottiaux declares his intention to “embody the continuity of the State” with “efficiency, more oriented towards action than words.” Committed to the neutrality of his function, he emphasizes: “I am an impartial prefect, and I stand by that word.” For him, the unity of State action should be expressed by “a single and unique speech,” far removed from partisan divisions. A clear line, in a department that is both complex, contrasting, and strategic from the coastline to the mountainous areas. Citizens’ expectations are numerous: security, housing, ecology, mobility… There is no shortage of topics in the Alpes-Maritimes.
Republican Order as the Absolute Priority
The new prefect has not ignored the sovereign issues which form the basis of his actions. “The priority is order,” he insists. In line with the policy of Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, he reaffirms his determination to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, irregular immigration, and Islamist radicalization. Laurent Hottiaux also confirmed that the security of the United Nations Ocean Summit, scheduled in Nice in June, will be under his exclusive authority, with measures inspired by the Olympic Games. “All necessary measures will be taken,” he assures.
A Commitment to Fieldwork and Proximity
Facing the media he met on his first day, the prefect emphasized “the essential and determining role of the press in our democracy.” He mentioned a desire for transparency and responsiveness from his team, while warning against “certain misinformation” that harm republican cohesion.
He began his actions on his second day in office, this Tuesday, May 20, in Cannes in the Frayère district, on the sidelines of the Cannes Festival. A meeting took place between the new prefect and the security forces accompanied by the mayor of the city, David Lisnard. The topics discussed were security and delinquency. A clear message “We will not let anything pass,” he announces. Laurent Hottiaux is a man of dossiers but also of the field.
He plans to meet the local realities. With a method, working commune by commune, addressing issues closely. “In a territory as diverse as the Alpes-Maritimes, unity can only be organized and concerted.”
On social and economic issues, the prefect wants to be attentive. Several points have already been identified as priorities, notably access to housing, with particular attention to the shortage for young people and sensitive neighborhoods. He wishes to support the inhabitants with the elected representatives qualified for this task. Whether on the issue of rail and road transport or on the topic of the A8 highway toll-free around Nice. The ecological transition and water resource management are anticipated as major challenges in a context of increasing climate tension.
A Prefect of the Republic at the Service of All Citizens of the Alpes-Maritimes
Asked about his role as a potential mediator, especially in sensitive issues such as toll-free highways or wolf predation, he recalls: “The prefect can play a role of mediation, but he applies the law, nothing but the law. Mediation cannot exist outside the republican framework.” Concerning the wolf issue, particularly sensitive in the hinterland, he announced that a council would be organized under his presidency, after consultation with the concerned actors. He aligns with his predecessor, without contesting it at this stage.
Finally, Laurent Hottiaux reminded that the control of legality, a constitutional mission of the prefect, will be exercised with the utmost rigor. Any decision made by a local authority must be in accordance with the law, “it is the foundation of the Republic,” he indicates.
