One thing is certain: the competition to become the deputy of the 3rd constituency will not be a walk in the park for the future winner!
The dramatic entry of the National Front candidate Philippe Vardon made it clear from the start: the incumbent Rudy Salles, in office since 1988, is labeled a “useless deputy” except “for employing part of his family!”
The regional councilor brushes off the accusations made by Pierre-Paul Leonelli, president of the majority right-wing groups at the Nice City Council and the Regional Council, as reported in the local press, which describe him as “a parachuted candidate in the 3rd constituency.”
These accusations did not sit well with the former leader of the Nice Identitarians, who responded sharply: “Pierre-Paul Leonelli is no more than the gunman for Christian Estrosi. I am fully legitimate for this candidacy, I know this constituency well, I have personal ties there, and I even lived there.”
While he was expected to run in the 1st constituency, he now presents himself in the 3rd. Is there a strategic choice behind this decision?
The person concerned dismisses the idea of wanting to avoid confrontation with Eric Ciotti: “those who know me know that running away is not my style, quite the opposite. I would love to debate with Eric Ciotti; in fact, if he wants to take Rudy Salles’ place, I would be delighted!” and even more so the following option which would attribute a lenient treatment of the National Front given a candidate whose ideas often align with those of Marine Le Pen’s party.
Returning to his future “battle” against Rudy Salles, with other contenders not even considered…, Philippe Vardon intends to send a strong message to voters: he will be the candidate of uncompromising opposition against “30 years of opportunism, clientelism, and stagnation.”
“In the end, the choice is simple,” he says with his usual fervor, “it is between patriotic opposition and Emmanuel Macron’s ‘post-national’ project, which Rudy Salles has already said he would embrace.”
Philippe Vardon’s objective is to be able to debate with Rudy Salles, from whom he intends to demand “accounts” for his parliamentary activity: the “good riddance” with which the centrist ironically greeted Marion Le Pen’s (at least temporary) retreat from politics still sticks in his throat!
We eagerly await these debates, even better if direct, which will spice up the verbal duels between the two front-runners.
There is no doubt that they will not fail to interest, even fascinate, the voters.
