The news is not really a surprise; it had been anticipated for a few weeks because it was in line with the natural course of events: Eric Ciotti has been appointed departmental secretary (the party’s number 2) for the Alpes-Maritimes.
Nicolas Sarkozy is tightening his grip on the party by placing his loyal supporters in key positions in preparation for the 2016 internal primaries.
He did this after extracting the former Cope supporter (and thus very weakened by the downfall of her protector), Michèle Tabarot, from the post, by giving her a political advisor position (an imaginary role, as it’s hard to imagine Nicolas Sarkozy consulting her, or anyone else for that matter…) and in passing, granting her brother, Philippe, an eligible spot as a candidate in the regional elections on Christian Estrosi’s list, while she serves as deputy mayor of Le Cannet.
Well, such is political life, one climbs and descends according to alliances and times.
LR’s “Mr. Security” confirms his rise in the Sarkozy galaxy and places himself in an ideal position for further leaps forward.
Thanks to @NicolasSarkozy who has just appointed me Departmental Secretary of the @lesRepublicains federation of the #AlpesMaritimes – he tweeted as a public acknowledgment to his mentor.
Christian Estrosi remains the party president and therefore number 1 in the department. But Eric Ciotti is increasingly less his former chief of staff at the General Council and more and more his equal… and rival?
