Meeting this Friday evening at the Méridien in Nice for a public gathering, outgoing mayor Christian Estrosi presented the main lines of his project for the 2026 municipal elections. Financial balance, security, housing, culture and climate transition structured an offensive speech, marked by harsh criticism against his main rival.
In a room favorable to his cause, Christian Estrosi claimed “independence” for Nice from national political establishments. Without systematically naming him, he accused his main opponent of having “betrayed” his political camp by joining the National Rally, claiming that “he will betray Nice as he betrayed his own.”
The outgoing mayor called on voters to “not mix national politics and local projects”, defending a campaign focused on local issues.
A financial record claimed
Christian Estrosi highlighted the evolution of municipal and metropolitan assets, which he said rose from 4.6 billion euros in 2008 to 7.8 billion euros today. He announced his desire to continue operational savings, with an additional target of 40 million euros in savings, while maintaining an “extremely strong investment dynamic.”
He also promised a mechanism for tax cuts indexed to growth: “every additional point of growth will be a point of taxes returned to Nice residents.”
Transport, housing and attractiveness
The mayor confirmed the continuation of major ongoing projects: tram lines T4 and T5, modernization of water and energy networks, development of geothermal energy and partial energy independence for the city.
On housing, he reaffirmed a target of 10,000 planned homes and a reduction of 50% of tourist rentals like Airbnb in neighborhoods “under pressure.” “I want chosen tourism, not tourism imposed on us,” he declared.
He also emphasized university attractiveness, mentioning the establishment of major schools in Nice and claiming to be “on the verge of signing” the arrival of an architecture school.
Purchasing power and public services
Christian Estrosi announced several social measures: free public transport for retirees upon retirement, extended hours for the Louis Nucéra Library from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., generalization of “100% English” in primary school, enhanced support for caregivers with the creation of respite homes.
He also mentioned a service for home delivery of medicines for isolated elderly people, in partnership with department pharmacists.
Security and municipal authority
Security was a central theme of the speech. The mayor recalled the post-July 14, 2016 context to justify maintaining strict measures during major events. He announced an increase in video surveillance cameras from 6,800 to 10,000 and an increase in municipal police staff from 680 to 1,000 officers.
An application called “Vigilis” will, according to him, allow direct contact between citizens and municipal police.
Finally, he called for reinforcement of national police forces in Nice and greater powers for mayors, particularly to more quickly expel slum landlords and illegal occupants.
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