While the pink wave swept across the hexagon, the Alpes-Maritimes stand out as an exception. Nine parliamentary seats were up for grabs in our department, and these nine seats were contested by the right.
The right remains well-established in the Alpes-Maritimes
In a few words, Eric Ciotti summed up his own thoughts and those of the UMP activists: “There is a kind of double feeling. We have our resounding victory in the Alpes-Maritimes, but this was not the case on the national level” he declared, barely arriving at the UMP office in Nice. This idea of mixed feelings was also mentioned by Christian Estrosi, who stated that on a national level, “it was a great disappointment“.
While the leaders of the Nice right reflected on the crushing victory of the left across the hexagon, they expressed great satisfaction with the results obtained in the city of Nice and throughout the entire department. Christian Estrosi even spoke of a “historic score“. The deputy mayor recalled that after a victory by the left, the right had never achieved such good scores.
Alongside the two UMP candidates was Rudy Salles (NC). Supported by the UMP, he was also re-elected. He did not hide his joy, declaring that they (Christian Estrosi, Eric Ciotti, and himself) “were the three musketeers: one for all and all for one“.
Lauriano Azinheirinha, Rudy Salles’ deputy, emphasized his champion’s deep roots in the constituency. “He knows most of the residents here” he affirmed. And for him, one thing is clear: the Maralpins do not look favorably upon François Hollande’s presence at the Élysée. “The change chosen by the French is absolutely not wanted by the inhabitants of the Alpes-Maritimes” he certified.
The socialists expected it
At Patrick Allemand’s office, the atmosphere was much less festive than at the UMP’s. Understandably so, as the socialist was defeated by Eric Ciotti with 39.27% of the votes against 60.73% for his opponent.
For Yann Librati, Patrick Allemand’s deputy, the Nice socialists are already looking to the future. “By tomorrow morning, we will be focused on the next elections: the municipal ones” he stated determinedly. He also declared that this defeat was anticipated. “In light of the first round, it’s not a big surprise“.
