The “republican” appeal, which united under the same banner the anti-Frontists in various capacities and with different motivations and tones, was not left unanswered by the local leaders of this party.
During a press conference, Lionel Tivoli, departmental secretary, and Philippe Vardon, Nice representative, both regional councilors, responded with determination and countered the accusations directed at them, at least indirectly, by addressing only the mayor of Nice (“Patrick Allemand, who is that? and Robert Injey is not even an elected official” – thus dismissing the presence of left-wing leaders who had expressed the same views as Christian Estrosi following the announcement of Marine Le Pen’s presence in Nice on May 1st).
“The only provocation is his attitude,” denounced Lionel Tivoli. He added with a hint of mischief: “This talk of alleged risks of ‘public disorder’ is grotesque. […]. Or is he hoping that incidents will occur?”
The Front National officials specified that it would simply involve holding a meeting (indoors, as was specified) of political movements represented in their respective countries’ assemblies, and even for some participants in governments, as is the case in Austria and “most likely in Italy,” affirmed a smiling Philippe Vardon, who has close relations with his colleagues from the “Lega.”
Regarding the surprise of Marine Le Pen’s choice of the Azurian capital, the response is unanimous: “We are surprised by the surprise. Nice is the major city where she received the most votes in the second round of the presidential election (40% of the votes), and she garnered 45% of the votes in the department.”
“So why be surprised by her choice?” the two Frontist officials ask with feigned astonishment.
The final conclusion is also an appeal: “So no, it is not a provocation. It will be a great patriotic and popular gathering. A grand gathering where all the citizens of the Côte d’Azur are invited.”
Philippe Vardon took the opportunity to send a few jabs towards Christian Estrosi after years of confrontation.
“What is also odious is the way he rewrites his personal history, no doubt hoping only amnesiacs are facing him, and the way he falsifies our city’s political history. Nice has always resisted the Front National – Christian Estrosi tells us. With Jacques Médecin? With Jacques Peyrat?” – that is his argument!
And it is not over… “So suddenly we are surprised when he declares – With determination, I have taken my share in this fight – speaking of 30 years of resistance to the FN. The truth is that in the ’90s, Christian Estrosi was a supporter of agreements with the FN. The truth is that in 1998 – but the matter is well-known! – Christian Estrosi wanted an agreement with the FN to lead the PACA region, where he would have been the vice-president.”
The final blow is venomous: “History will remember that 20 years later [in 2015], he became the president, this time against the Front and with the votes from the left and the extreme left. A wonderful illustration of the constancy and coherence of his convictions!”
Conclusion? “We really want to say stop. Let Christian Estrosi stop his act.”
Everything has been said!
