:
The result could only confirm the forecasts, given the significant gap between the outgoing mayor and candidate for re-election, Christian Estrosi, and the two challengers remaining in the race after the first round, both in terms of numerical score and the profile of the individuals.
Without showing favoritism, how could one imagine handing over the keys of the mayor’s office of the 5th largest city in France — and by extension, the Metropolis — to a talented yet still politically inexperienced young candidate like Philippe Vardon (putting aside his extreme positions) and to an enigmatic figure who speaks like an adherent of Scientology, such as Jean-Marc Governatori?
True, politics in Nice is not conducted in intellectual circles; it is more about clan relationships and on-the-ground activity. However, its scope and complexity demand that the helm be taken by someone experienced who thoroughly knows the files and the problems that come with them. Simple slogans are pleasant to hear but do not lead to progress.
Christian Estrosi’s success is in this vein: an overall positive record from the first two terms, the ability to have a vision for the next term with an ambitious program, and a capacity for field leadership and action that cannot be denied.
Following this victory, he will need to assemble a “winning” team at Nice’s city hall (and immediately afterward at the Metropolis). We will see how and to whom the delegations will be distributed and whether competencies will prevail over personal interests and cronyism. New elected officials may bring their skills, promising an interesting new phase.
The defeated candidates (who will share the few seats reserved for the opposition) will have the ability to criticize the policy and actions of the majority. There is no doubt that they will do so, and within this dialectical relationship lies all the richness of participatory democracy, that of the people’s elected representatives and not of the small groups that too often march in the streets with banners proclaiming themselves: the voice of the people.
To begin with, how can one not highlight that the numerical winner is labeled “abstentionism”: 72.25%!!!
Such an enormous figure demands reflection: is this massive abstentionism solely due to the Covid effect, or must we imagine such a disaffection of citizens with the political system that they renounce the crowning act of democratic life: the right/duty to vote.
And to fully delve into the problem, how many young people under 25 went to the polls this Sunday?
Returning to “classic” electoral rules, the Estrosi 2020 list (notably absent of any reference to Les Républicains… the local party leader, the orthodox Eric Ciotti will appreciate!) won the election with 59.3% of the votes cast. It will have 56 seats on the Municipal Council (52 on the Metropolitan Council).
The two competing lists received, respectively, Philippe Vardon (RN) 21.3% of the votes and 7 elected officials; 19.3% of the votes for Jean-Luc Governatori (Ecologists) and 6 elected officials.
After the results were announced, Christian Estrosi addressed his supporters (had anyone told them that social distancing and health measures had not been abolished for the occasion? given the gathering and the almost generalized absence of mask-wearing…) in front of the town hall.
It was an opportunity to reflect on the recent past: [Uniting has been my guiding principle throughout these years, in the face of all adversities. […] To unite over the past three years against all attempts at division, never responding to any provocations, considering that not insulting the future always leads to reconciliations that serve only the general interest. […] To unite the people of Nice, from all backgrounds, against the health crisis we have endured and whose outcome we do not know, and especially to overcome the impending economic and social crisis.]
It was also an opportunity to look to the near future and set the tempo for action: “Starting this week, with our majority, we will be on the task of implementing the project that the people of Nice have so overwhelmingly validated tonight.”
And to recall a few points from his program: “While the achievements, such as the green corridor and the numerous green spaces like Ray Park, as well as tram lines 2 and 3, will remain the most significant, we will continue to conquer the city by adding 70 additional hectares of greening and implementing mobility solutions where pedestrians, motorists, public transport users, and cyclists will all find solutions to their needs.
We will continue our policy of reducing taxes and aiding the purchasing power of the most vulnerable.
The St Roch police station will support a more determined action in the fight against all forms of insecurity. I want to express my full support for the police and the gendarmerie.”
Even though Christian Estrosi has abandoned any national ambitions (editor’s note: even for an offer of a ministerial position which one cannot refuse?), he has not given up on the policy of major national strategic themes: “As a right-wing and social Gaullist individual, I intend to amplify the voice of the territories. From Nice, I plan to weigh in with all my might on the major decentralization law, which I am delighted that the President of the Republic has announced as impending.”
And on such a special evening, how could one not delve into sentimentality?: “I say this from Nice because now more than ever, you, the people of Nice, are my priority and my compass.”
