Benoît Kandel, representing the right and independents in the municipal elections in Nice, is so far the only candidate to have incorporated the Anticor Charter (an association fighting against corruption and promoting ethics in politics) into his program.
This association invites candidates in municipal elections to adhere to 30 proposals for more ethical municipalities.
In addition to the ethical principles contained in the Local Elected Official’s Charter, the law has strengthened the obligations imposed on local authorities for greater transparency and ethics. Anticor invites municipalities not only to comply with these obligations but also to go further through this Charter.
Here is a small selection of the main proposals from Anticor that Benoît Kandel intends to implement.
For the candidate: “There is an urgent need to act to introduce more ethics and transparency into political life, the only way to restore the trust of the people of Nice in their elected officials.”
1/ Availability of elected officials
Having a mayor who holds neither a departmental, regional nor national mandate.
Adjusting the amount of allowances allocated to municipal councillors based on their actual participation in plenary sessions.
2/ Prevention of conflicts of interest
Implementing mechanisms to detect conflicts of interest in order to identify, before each plenary session, the elected officials who need to recuse themselves. Prohibiting elected officials and public agents from accepting any gifts or advantages from a company.
3) Recognition of the role of minority elected officials
Allowing minority elected officials to exercise their right to training, information, and expression.
Involving minority elected officials in negotiation phases in public contract and concession award procedures.
Involving minority elected officials in the appointment of non-elected members of the Local Public Services Advisory Committee.
4) Transparency of public action
Making public the attendance of councillors at municipal council sessions, as well as the amount of their allowances, and the list of recipients of company housing or cars.
Posting online the most important communicable documents: deliberations, minutes of municipal council sessions, number and salaries of cabinet staff, etc.
5) Fighting corruption
Permanently removing the executive functions of any elected official convicted of breaching integrity.
6) Control of municipal action
Establishing a Financial Control Commission to examine the detailed accounts of companies linked to the municipality by a financial agreement.
Creating a commission to oversee expenses related to communication, travel, receptions, hospitality, and invitations.
7) Citizen participation in local decisions
Involving the population in decision-making through consultations or local referendums. Ensuring that all viewpoints are expressed during procedures that allow citizens to speak out.
