He is undeniably the favorite in the election for the 1st constituency of Nice, and yesterday’s poll published in the local press does not dispute this forecast, predicting a score of more than 60% in the second round. Eric Ciotti answered questions from Nice Premium just days before a first round, which according to all logic, should lead to a second round one week later. An assessment and projects of the incumbent Deputy.
Nice Premium: If you had to introduce yourself?
Besides my public functions, I am a Niçois deeply attached to our city and our department. As for the civil service, I am an elected official as committed to serving the residents of my constituency as those of my country. It is a pride to be able to contribute to solving daily difficulties and improving the quality of life of our fellow citizens, as well as participating in the drafting of laws that advance our country.
NP: What is your reason for engaging in politics?
A reason undoubtedly familial; my uncle was the first deputy of Saint Martin Vésubie, and when I was young, I quickly followed him in his public life. It is probably what gave me the taste for public commitment, politics, and its debates which I have always found fascinating.
NP: Are you already elected or have you been a candidate in legislative elections?
I am the incumbent Deputy elected in the last legislative election.
NP: Why are you a candidate in this constituency?
I know this constituency well where my grandfather was a shopkeeper on Boulevard Jean Jaurès. Also, as the incumbent Deputy, I mainly present a very dense record both at the National Assembly, where I believe I can say that I am among the Deputies who have worked the most with more than a thousand interventions and nine times as a reporter of important bills. On the constituency level, a record marked by numerous achievements in harmony with the city of Nice and its Mayor, Christian Estrosi (Place Garibaldi, Chapelle de la Miséricorde, renovation of the Port, Cathedral Sainte Réparate, total renovation of the Ségurane College, sports and community hall in Saint Roch, Parc d’Estienne d’Orves…) and upcoming projects such as the green corridor, whose first section was inaugurated this Sunday and whose works are ongoing, or the completion of the renovation works of the Port, all with a unique fare for travel at 1€… except for trains where, due to lack of agreement with the Regional Council, we have not been able to benefit the Azuréens. Proximity is an important value in a territory like ours.
NP: How would you define your constituency?
It is the constituency of the heart and soul of Nice. This constituency includes the most historical and traditional neighborhoods of the city of Nice like Vieux-Nice, the Port, or even Saint Roch, where our city was born in the Lympia basin.
NP: What are, in your opinion, the first urgencies and projects to be implemented?
The parliamentary urgency and, I hope that the family I represent, the Republican right, will have the majority, and if that is the case, we will continue to fight in the continuity of the action led by Nicolas Sarkozy in a context of severe crisis. I will continue to fight for the affirmation of the values I am very attached to: The defense of our freedoms and our national identity.
If, unfortunately, we do not have this majority, I will strive to mitigate the scale of the catastrophes announced by the new socialist power. And we have seen, in a matter of days, how serious the damage can be, and I am referring to the right to vote for non-European foreigners or the request to the police forces to issue a “receipt” following identity checks…
NP: Do you think the Presidential election will influence the electoral choice?
Traditionally, a legislative election benefits from the result of a very recent presidential election, and the victory of François Hollande, even with a very narrow margin, constitutes for us a handicap that we will have to overcome. But I am confident because the first five weeks of the socialist rule have demonstrated so many irresponsibilities of the new power that I am certain the French people will not want to put all their eggs in one basket…
NP: What is your prediction for the result of the first round?
I am confident in victory, and the reception I receive in the streets of Nice is most friendly and warm, reflecting the relationship I have been able to build with the inhabitants of the first constituency during my term.
NP: Can you imagine a scenario for the second round?
Of course. But the objective remains victory in the first and the second round!
NP: How is your campaign going, and what are your next milestones?
This evening with a grand meeting at the Théâtre de Verdure. This gathering will be the highlight of this campaign in the presence of the three candidates for the Nice legislative elections, Christian Estrosi, Rudy Salles, and myself.
Every day, I roam the streets of the constituency to meet the residents of the neighborhoods and participate in many local meetings. I will also have two debates this week on France 3 and France Bleu Azur.
NP: What will you do next June 10th?
I will obviously go to vote, it won’t surprise you (Laughs), and then I will visit the polling stations of the constituency.
Copyright photo: https://www.eric-ciotti.com
