Just days before the second round of the 2026 municipal elections in Nice, outgoing mayor Christian Estrosi held his final rally at Place Saint-François. Between speeches, citizen interventions and local symbols, the evening emphasized the gathering of Nice residents and the urgency of blocking the far right.
A mobilization that combined humanity, diversity and civic engagement for Nice’s future. At Place Saint-François, several hundred people had gathered at the end of the day, occupying almost the entire square.
Before the rally began, several volunteers circulated through the crowd distributing signs and exchanging a few words with participants, contributing to creating a friendly atmosphere. The atmosphere, both warm and serious, testified to an engaged public, alternating quiet discussions and applause during speeches. Without music or particular agitation, the gathering remained calm and focused, allowing speeches to proceed in a controlled setting. At the heart of the Old Town, this emblematic site of local life offered a symbolic backdrop to this final major campaign event.
The rally opened with Greg Monetti, deputy mayor, who reminded everyone of the evening’s objective: « thank you for your presence… for this gathering that says one word: no to the far right. »
Laura Estrosi Tenoudji, the mayor’s wife, emphasized the humanity and personal commitment of her husband: « before electing a politician, you will be electing a super human man, super honest, who gives 24 hours of his time, seven days a week, to you Nice residents. »
Susie Morgenstern, writer, highlighted the cultural and educational dimension: « Nice is an exceptional city. This city council’s initiatives for children and youth show the importance of this gathering around shared values. »
Patrick, LGBT activist and union member, explained the need for solidarity and protection of rights: « it is crucial that we unite to defend our values and guarantee an open and tolerant city. »
Catherine, retired activist, brandishing a sign « No to the far right » in one hand and « For Nice with Christian Estrosi » in the other, testifies with emotion: she believes it is essential to fight for an open France that recovers its beauty and eclecticism, where hatred of others no longer has a place. Mother of four children, the eldest of whom is disabled, and grandmother of nine grandchildren of different origins, she deplores discrimination and the exacerbation of political tensions: « we’re fed up with this knife-edge France where the far left and far right are setting fires. That’s why I’m here. »
Several students expressed the voice of youth : « Nice is an exceptional city thanks to Mr. Estrosi […] and it will be worse if the far right is in city hall. I encourage you to go vote. » One of them added : « all young people are afraid of the far right right now, and I accompany all of you to vote against it. » For some this first ballot is a source of concern : « this is the first time I’m voting, and all young people are afraid of the far right. We must vote to defend democracy and the safety of our city. »
Christian Estrosi: « I know that Sunday evening we will cross the finish line in first place »
Christian Estrosi then took the floor to officially open the rally, recalling the symbolic significance of Place Saint-François: « tonight is the final meeting of this campaign, but not the last of all those we still have to do for Nice, for our region, for our country. Whatever happens, I know we will cross the finish line in first place Sunday evening. This Place Saint-François has so much meaning: it is a place of the nation, of the Republic, and of Nice’s history through the centuries. »
The mayor recalled the crucial stakes of the ballot: « there is a decisive choice to make this Sunday… We must block the National Front so that Nice remains open, tolerant and dynamic. »
During the question-and-answer session with journalists, the mayor seemed reassuring: « there are only 15,000 votes to make up…» he continued « The square is full, gathered, united in its diversity. Nice residents embody this diversity. » he continued « we want Nice to remain free and independent, as I have led it during my three terms, to preserve the pride of Nice residents. »
Christian Estrosi hammered home his inclusive approach: « being mayor is not a political mandate, it is being the mayor of everyone (…) some commissions can be entrusted to the opposition, such as finances or the social housing office. This illustrates the republican and unifying spirit to which I adhere. »
The rally ended with La Marseillaise and Nissa la Bella, affirming local and national identity. Journalists and spectators then took to the stage to ask their final questions and get autographs.
This final rally was an opportunity for Christian Estrosi and his supporters to recall the values of gathering, humanity, diversity and mobilization against the far right. It also marks the last major meeting between a mayor and his city before the second round of elections on Sunday, leaving Nice residents to reflect on their final choice.
NicePremium is a free, independent local news outlet.
Help us keep going by supporting our work from €5 per month.
