While the French government has decided to vacation only within national borders among other reasons to “stay alert,” what about our local elected officials? Today, Marc Concas and Olivier Bettati agree to answer our questions.
Marc Concas – need to cut the cord
Nice-Première: What have you planned for your vacation this summer?
M.C.: Like every year, I wait for the last two weeks of August to take off. I will spend ten days in Brittany at La Trinité-sur-Mer, in my wife’s family home. It will be an opportunity for me to fish and sail.
Nice-Première: Do you ever stay in Nice or the region during this period?
M.C.: Not anymore, as I need to take some distance to cut the cord. Both being lawyers, my wife and I find it too difficult to separate work from leisure when it’s just a bus ride to be on site. We tried spending our vacation in Valberg in the past, but the office was omnipresent.
Nice-Première: What do you think about the government members’ decision to stay in France for their vacations in order to remain available? Do you consider the reason given valid?
M.C.: I don’t see why this information should be controversial. France is the top tourist destination in the world. We have everything: the sea, the mountains, arts and culture. It’s no wonder the government members have decided to spend their vacations here. The fact that only 40% of the French can afford it is much more worrying.
Nice-Première: Which topics do you plan to focus on when you return?
M.C.: The major issue for the return will undoubtedly be the installation of the port at the end of the airport. The results of the study conducted on this project should reignite the debate. My wish would be to keep only a marina at the location of the current port and to move maritime freight transit to the airport.
For more information about Marc Concas: [https://www.marc-concas.com/](https://www.marc-concas.com/)
Olivier Bettati – between Corsica and the hinterland
Nice-Première: What have you planned for your vacation this summer?
O.B.: I am currently on vacation. I only take them twice a year so I make the most of it. I spend the first part in Corsica, then the rest in the hinterland. Being both a deputy mayor and a general counsel, I often dedicate my weekends to cultural events or other local events. Therefore, these vacations are truly an opportunity to take some time off.
Nice-Première: Is this an opportunity for you to indulge in a passion, to let loose a little?
O.B.: Nothing exceptional in the end. I cook because it’s one of my favorite hobbies. I fish and I read. I’m currently reading Nicolas Sarkozy’s book and the latest by Paulo Coelho; all in flip-flops, without a tie and badly shaved. I look like a real bandit.
Nice-Première: Do you manage to forget about work?
O.B.: Not really. That’s what happens when you’re passionate. My secretary was exasperated this week from having me on the phone all the time. I also keep up with the news by reading Nice Matin every day. I also use this vacation to handle some files I didn’t have time to look at during the year.
Nice-Première: What subjects do you plan to focus on upon your return?
O.B.: The question of the stadium remains open and the change of ownership of the port in favor of the general council will certainly raise other questions. But the real issue at the start of the school year will be the beginning of the UMP presidential campaign. It’s a very interesting stage of political life which I am eager to dedicate myself to.
