Three days before the first round of municipal elections, Christian Estrosi held his final rally in front of his Nice office. Traditional speech, emblematic music and enthusiastic testimonies thrilled residents, in a festive and activist atmosphere, reminiscent of the energy found in stadiums during decisive moments.
On Thursday, March 12, after a final heated debate, Christian Estrosi made an entrance worthy of a champion stepping into the ring for the final fight. To “Eye of the Tiger,” the Rocky soundtrack resonated while the air was saturated with the smell of socca, far from that of the pig’s head that has marked the end of this campaign. For his final rally of the first round, the crowd chanted his name, flags waved, and the scene in front of his office seemed to transform into an urban stadium, where every resident vibrated for their mayor. The energy was palpable, comparable to that found in major sporting events: cheers, songs and collective fervor.
Christian Estrosi: a champion on his Nice ring
Christian Estrosi then detailed his grassroots work in every neighborhood, from Caucade to Riquier, passing through Cimiez, Pasteur and Las Palas, 72 Nice villages visited and listened to: “we have seen Nice residents in every corner of the city, listened to their concerns, and acted for each neighborhood.”
He praised municipal and metropolitan employees: “I want to pay tribute to our wonderful teams who made it possible to implement all these public policies.”
On economy and tourism: “from 8,500 hotel rooms in 2008 to 13,500 today, with a 75% occupancy rate, we have created thousands of jobs and made Nice shine throughout France.”
On transparency: “I have never had personal expenses as mayor. Everything is transparent, in service of the city.”
Finally, he stressed local roots and continuity, reminding Nice residents of the immediate stakes: “when you love your city, it’s like a child, you don’t want to change what works. Thank you all for your loyalty and support. Now, in these final days before the polls, it is our mobilization that will make the difference.”
Nice residents: fervor and support in the final stretch
Annie, 78, and Claudia, 70, retirees, held up a sign “Christian Estrosi and Nissa La Bella.” They explained they were present “to defend Christian Estrosi’s record” and believe in it “absolutely.” For them, supporting the mayor is obvious: “he gets things done in difficult times… and besides, he was very very very good.”
A man joined their discussion and said with humor and conviction: “when you have a good toothpaste, you don’t want to replace it!” According to him, Estrosi stands out for his concrete actions rather than simple promises: “he speaks about what he has done, not what he will do… Let’s see what has been accomplished.”
Caroline, 63, a retiree, agreed: “Christian Estrosi, we’re all here for him, for Nice! He does everything for the city and for everyone. He’s the best!” Asked about her vote: “it’s him and no one else. Absolutely, it’s Christian Estrosi.”
These testimonies reflect the fervor and attachment of Nice residents, ready to give their final push before the polls to support their mayor.
A festive and electric Nice finale. The end of the rally was a true celebration of the city and its identity. The crowd sang the Marseillaise, followed by “Nissa la Bella,” while several residents held up signs “All for Nice” on one side and “Nissa la Bella” on the other.
After these anthems, Christian Estrosi gave way to DJ Samantha Flores, who after setting the opera stage ablaze to open the carnival set the Nice plaza on fire to close the rally with a festive musical atmosphere. Thunderous applause, songs and car horns punctuated this conclusion, offering an electric and deeply Nice finale, worthy of the final big fight in his campaign, in the final stretch before the polls.
As a reminder, Nice voters are called to the polls for the municipal elections on Sundays, March 15 and 22, 2026. The first round will be held on Sunday, March 15, while a second round will take place on Sunday, March 22, if no list obtains an absolute majority in the first ballot. In Nice, voters will be able to vote from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The city benefits from an exemption like most large cities in France to facilitate voters’ exercise of their right to vote. Nice residents must go to their usual polling station, with a valid ID and must be registered on the electoral lists to participate in the election.
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