Six months before the election, the political forces in Nice are gearing up for battle. While the union of the left and environmentalists launched their campaign at the Libération market, Christian Estrosi and Éric Ciotti have unveiled their teams, and La France Insoumise is expected to partner with Viva!.
Last Saturday, the stalls of the Libération market set the stage for the Unis pour Nice campaign launch. This coalition brings together ecologists, communists, socialists, and citizens. It aims to present itself as an alternative to the eighteen years of municipal management marked by Christian Estrosi, with the support of Éric Ciotti.
The program focuses on social and ecological proposals: free public transportation, rent control, fighting real estate speculation, renovating schools and daycare centers, and local public services. Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux, Julien Picot, and Patrick Allemand embody this list that claims the unity of progressive sensibilities.
The launch also served as an opportunity to announce new supporters. Artist Edmond Baudoin joins Ernest Pignon-Ernest as part of the campaign committee. The Gauche Républicaine et Socialiste (GRS) has also lent its support. These reinforcements illustrate a desire to widely rally around a project considered citizen-focused and supportive.
A diverse but divided left
While the Unis pour Nice coalition tries to unite, the left is not moving forward in harmony. La France Insoumise and the ViVA! citizen collective are expected to present a joint list in the coming days/weeks. This decision confirms a division within the progressive camp. It risks dispersing votes during the election, benefiting the already well-established right-wing lists.
This plurality also reflects strategic differences. Some prioritize an alliance around a shared program, while others focus on a distinct political line, considered more in tune with their electorate. In Nice, this fragmentation could weigh heavily in an already right-dominated power struggle for nearly two decades.
Christian Estrosi and Éric Ciotti, an open rivalry
Meanwhile, the two local right-wing figures have unveiled their campaign strategies. Incumbent mayor Christian Estrosi is seeking a fourth term. He has renewed his trust in Anthony Borré, his first deputy, by appointing him as campaign director. An expected choice, confirming the centrality of his close collaborator in the municipal organization.
Opposing him, Éric Ciotti leads the list of the Union of the Right for the Republic (UDR). His strategy is based on an alliance with the National Rally, with some of its members appearing on his list. Bernard Chaix, MP for the 3rd constituency of the Alpes-Maritimes, will be his campaign director. He will be joined by Christelle d’Intorni, spokesperson, and Laurent Castillo, European MP, also spokesperson.
A campaign marked by symbols and groundwork
Each camp tries to leave its mark. Unis pour Nice chose a popular site, the Libération market, to illustrate its closeness to residents. Eric Ciotti is focusing on groundwork and promises to meet with Nicois people to listen to their concerns. Christian Estrosi relies on his municipal record and an already seasoned team.
The first weeks of the campaign also highlight the importance of symbols. The rallying of renowned artists to the united left indicates a strong cultural anchoring. On the right, the appointment of campaign directors marks the intention to quickly organize in face of an election where every detail will matter.
With six months until the election, Nice is preparing for a complex electoral confrontation. Four main dynamics are emerging: Christian Estrosi and Eric Ciotti, now declared adversaries; a left united around Unis pour Nice; and another left, represented by LFI and ViVA!, determined to play its own card.
In the coming months, the debate will focus on security as much as mobility, housing, public services, or culture. Each camp will try to convince voters that it holds the solution to the daily challenges faced by the people of Nice.
The campaign launch has opened the dance. It remains to be seen which forces will succeed in converting their efforts in the polls in spring 2026.
