With four months to go before the election, the political campaign in Nice is intensifying. Positions are multiplying, alliances are evolving, candidates are refining their messages, and debates are expanding to encompass both local and national issues. As it does every week, Nice Premium offers an overview of the forces currently in play.
Christian Estrosi (Horizon)
Christian Estrosi officially launched his campaign in front of supporters gathered at the OcéaNice Convention Center. He was accompanied by his campaign director, Anthony Borré. The mayor said he was “in great shape” and claimed to have “regained his fighting spirit.” He highlighted the commitments he says he has fulfilled:
“When I make promises, I deliver — especially when no one believes in them. I promised to complete the Mathis Road, I promised the Promenade du Paillon,” he said, while also seeking to reassure residents: “What matters most is you — that the people of Nice can sleep peacefully. The country is not doing well, but Nice aims to be a true refuge.”
The rally lasted nearly two hours, during which the mayor answered questions from supporters. He defended his record, discussed public finances, ongoing projects and the national context. The Promenade du Paillon and the Mathis Road were highlighted as major structural achievements.
This campaign launch marks the beginning of an anticipated duel with Éric Ciotti. Gaël Nofri, a member of the current majority’s campaign team, criticized the opposing camp and denounced what he described as early irregularities in their campaign. He accused the Union of the Right candidate of violating electoral law, citing campaign stickers placed on taxis, which he considers contrary to regulations.
“We first call on them to stop exploiting a profession — a questionable method we have never used,” he said. The city councilor also mentioned “violations of posting regulations” and “electoral campaign financing by legal entities,” stating that these matters would be reported to the authorities.
Another member of the mayor’s team, Graig Monetti, responded to criticism from Christelle D’Intorni regarding the accumulation of mandates. He wrote:
“Here is an old popular saying that seems to have escaped Ms. D’Intorni.”
He recalled the MP’s own mandates and highlighted what he considers a contradiction between her statements and her actions, arguing that it is legitimate for a municipal official to pursue a professional activity in order not to depend exclusively on public funds.
Éric Ciotti (Union of the Right – UDR)
Éric Ciotti is structuring his campaign around security, institutional issues and the prevention of conflicts of interest. His spokesperson, Christelle D’Intorni, is promoting a proposed law aimed at banning mayors of large cities and presidents of metropolitan authorities from carrying out consulting activities. She says the goal is to “limit the risks of conflicts of interest.”
The proposal includes “a ban on mayors of cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants and presidents of metropolitan areas from engaging in any consulting activity during their term of office, including those that began within the 12 months prior to taking office.” Additional prohibitions would target collaborations with foreign companies and public actors.
The Union of the Right candidate also introduced his second running mate, Françoise Souliman. A former prefect, she will be responsible for security-related issues. She joins a list supported by the National Rally.
“This choice is not an easy one when you are a senior civil servant,” she said, “but it is because I know Éric Ciotti well and share his Gaullist values, which we have upheld for many years.” She described herself as “a free woman” and referred to Nice as “a choice of the heart,” where she began her career.
Her background reflects extensive administrative experience across several departments. She was also appointed to work on security planning for the G7 scheduled in 2026.
Mireille Damiano (Nice! Popular Front)
Mireille Damiano is campaigning under the banner Nice! Popular Front. Her list has received support from several prominent figures. Astrophysicist Éric Lagadec has formed a support committee, joined by migrant rights activist Cédric Herrou and Geneviève Legay.
Cédric Herrou and Jonathan Gensburger published a lengthy statement on social media, saying they wanted to respond to what they describe as the “pettiness” of their rivals. Jonathan Gensburger stated:
“The idea is to say that we must stop letting all this slide, and realize that tens of thousands of us are regularly shocked by the mayor’s statements and falsehoods.” He stressed the need to take action.
The authors also denounced what they called a “rightward leveling.” They criticized certain remarks about people living on the streets. Their statement includes criticism of the decision to name the forecourt of the future police headquarters after Nicolas Sarkozy. Cédric Herrou wrote:
“Whether you like it or not, Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty at first instance of criminal conspiracy…”
They also criticized Éric Ciotti’s presence at a book-signing event with Jordan Bardella. Cédric Herrou commented:
“Once again, through opportunism — that is the danger of populism when used for personal ends.”
Finally, the two men strongly criticized a video posted by Christian Estrosi.
“Mr. Estrosi, try to exist by barking on social networks…” the text reads. Their concluding message wished “the greatest, most beautiful and most resounding defeat possible” for both Christian Estrosi and Éric Ciotti.
The list also highlights a commitment to combating violence against women. The party calls for strengthened reception services, rehousing solutions and staff training. It proposes the creation of a Women’s House open 24/7 (an initiative expected to be announced by the municipality on Monday, editor’s note). Mireille Damiano wants to make this issue a municipal priority.
Hélène Granouillac (Vivre Nice)
Hélène Granouillac, candidate for Vivre Nice, has taken a position on the naming of the forecourt of the future police headquarters. She advocates for a unifying name and proposes “Parvis des Héros Maralpins” (Forecourt of the Maralpine Heroes), citing a local poll and arguing for the need to move beyond controversy.
She considers the mayor’s decision insufficiently consultative and calls for a name that honors victims of crime, terrorist attacks or disasters.
The Vivre Nice list leader supports a calmer political climate, distinguishing herself from other groups while rejecting what she describes as political instrumentalization. She emphasizes the capacity of citizens to demonstrate heroism in difficult situations.
This week, drug trafficking also became a central issue for the list. The party described a scene experienced in its neighborhood, reflecting a climate affecting several cities. It recalled actions taken by residents in the 1990s and highlighted the links between poverty, drug trafficking and the degradation of the social fabric. Vivre Nice proposes strengthening community action, education, culture and healthcare, while calling for the use of funds seized from trafficking to finance these measures.
Nathalie Dloussky (Together for the Greatness of France)
Nathalie Dloussky, head of the list Together for the Greatness of France, analyzed the local and national political situation. She believes that Christian Estrosi’s call for the resignation of the President of the Republic has created a rift. She mentioned financial sanctions affecting the city and argued that these tensions weaken ongoing projects.
Dloussky also pointed to what she describes as Christian Estrosi’s political dependence on the future of Édouard Philippe. She outlined two possible scenarios depending on the outcome of the 2027 presidential election and expressed concern about the consequences of political isolation for municipal projects.
She then addressed the issue of Nice’s debt, citing a debt repayment capacity of 53 years and warning of stagnation risks. She proposed an alternative based on controlled spending, transparency and strengthened dialogue with the State.
Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux (Unis pour Nice)
Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux leads the Unis pour Nice list. Her campaign focuses on transparency, public ethics and citizen participation. She promotes a method based on listening and co-construction, with her team communicating regularly on social media. The main criticism targets current governance and the concentration of power around the outgoing mayor.
Her deputy, Julien Picot, plays a prominent role in the movement’s public expression. He recently published a text titled:
“Christian Estrosi: politics as a personal career.”
Referring to an article in Le Canard Enchaîné, he criticized the mayor’s multiple mandates, arguing that they distance him from local concerns.
“While the people of Nice are struggling to make ends meet, the mayor of Nice multiplies mandates,” he wrote.
The list aims to embody a proximity-based alternative. It highlights difficulties faced in several neighborhoods and criticizes a lack of direct interaction between the municipality and residents. It calls for more regular public meetings and proposes the creation of neighborhood councils with real resources.
Julien Picot emphasized the need for a turning point:
“Nice deserves better than these old methods.”
He called for a renewal of political practices, adopting a confrontational tone to signal a symbolic break. The departmental secretary of the French Communist Party (PCF 06) seeks to represent a different political generation, targeting voters disillusioned by national and local tensions and those seeking greater citizen oversight of public decision-making.
Meanwhile, Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux has also developed a discourse centered on social urgency. The opposition city councilor addressed housing affordability, mobility, healthcare and ecological transitions. She proposed measures to improve daily transportation and stressed the need to strengthen local public services. She also addressed climate issues, calling for the city to adapt to heatwaves and emerging risks.
The editorial team notes that any candidate wishing to declare their candidacy may contact us at the following address: kevin.sanchez@nicepremium.fr
