The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, called a press conference this Saturday, February 14th, at his campaign office to dispel rumors that he is suffering from Parkinson’s disease. In front of the journalists, he presented a medical certificate from a neurologist, a document that we were able to review.
In an invitation sent to journalists, he stated he wanted to “end the vile rumors targeting him and his family”. At the opening of his statement, Christian Estrosi mentioned “a high idea of politics” and denounced methods that he considers contrary to “ethics“ and “morality“.
The elected official claims that several rumors have been circulating for months about him, concerning his private life and financial situation. However, he focused particularly on the one related to his health condition. “Some are spreading the rumor that I am ill, afflicted with Parkinson’s disease,” he said, referring to repeated inquiries with his entourage and journalists.
A medical document to refute any rumor
During the conference, the mayor of Nice announced: “I have decided to publish a medical certificate“, considering this approach to be “quite unprecedented“ in French political life. The document, given to journalists at the end of the statement, was prepared by Dr. Rémi Lazdunski, a neurologist in Nice, and addressed to his GP.
The certificate indicates that “the neurological clinical examination is strictly normal“ and that there is “no anamnesic or objective clinical evidence” in favor of Parkinson’s disease or any other neurological disorder. This document, transmitted by Estrosi’s camp, we have reviewed it.
“You will see that I am in good health and fully capable,” the elected official declared, justifying this initiative as a matter of transparency.
Rumors spread on social networks
Among the elements mentioned by the outgoing mayor’s camp is a comment posted under a message from the UDR-RN municipal elections candidate Éric Ciotti on social network X, stating: “Estrosi… this poor man with Parkinson’s is finished. We will oust him in 3 months.” This comment appeared under a political post related to a vote in the National Assembly.
Without naming his opponents explicitly, Christian Estrosi condemned these “innuendoes” and called for a “respectable debate“ in the context of the municipal campaign. He assured that he wanted to continue his campaign “with dignity,” while affirming that he would “let nothing pass.”
