Indeed, Elodie Jomat (PRG), Jean-Christophe Picard (PRG), Michel François (MEI) and Martine Dubus (former UDF) are joining the team of the doctor from Nice by ratifying an agreement that brings their parties closer to the Nice MoDem, thus forming a new list which will be named “Nice Rainbow.”
This is certainly a new twist in this municipal election in Nice, whose stakes are raised a bit more at the beginning of the year with the arrival of this unprecedented formation that is likely to upset a first round that could, until now, seem already decided. Initially anticipated alongside Patrick Mottard and his movement Nice Autrement, Jean-Christophe Picard finally opted for a rapprochement towards MoDem after declining offers from Patrick Allemand, a candidate endorsed by the Socialist Party, with whom Jean-Christophe Picard started his political career.
Jacques Peyrat, Christian Estrosi, Patrick Allemand, Patrick Mottard, and Hervé Caël, the starting line of the next municipal election in Nice is well populated and the first round is likely to be top-notch in the capital of the Côte d’Azur. But who will still be present the day after March 9?
Interview with Hervé Caël
Candidate MoDem for the municipal elections in Nice 2008
Nice Premium: Hervé Caël, can you explain this new MoDem/PRG/MEI ticket?
Hervé Caël: A logical sequence! When announcing my candidacy for the municipal elections in Nice, I had made very clear the political positioning of the list and the principles of its composition. Politically, I highlighted three points: the rejection of a sterile struggle of one faction against another, the refusal of absolutism of power in our city, and pluralism in representation within the municipal assembly. Regarding the “profiles” of the running mates, I announced a list that is a gathering of people from different backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of Nice and including Niçois and Niçoises involved in associative and union activities.
The agreement signed with Jean-Christophe Picard, departmental president of the PRG, and Michel François, departmental president of the MEI, is in line with this approach. This union is based on two fundamental elements, an ethical charter – which contains ten propositions to change political practices – and a programmatic agreement. It is this agreement on substance that led to an agreement on form, namely the gathering on the same list of members of the PRG, MEI, former UDF, and of course, the MoDem.
This list, composed of several colors (orange for MoDem, blue and yellow for the PRG, and green for MEI), will quite naturally bear the name “Nice Rainbow”; the rainbow has always been the symbol of renewal, the return to good weather after the rain! We will bring colors back to Nice!!
NP: You were initially considered with Christian Estrosi and then with Patrick Mottard. What made you opt for this new alliance?
HC: The fantasies or fears of some do not always correspond to reality…
NP: Do you think you have a chance to be present in the second round of these municipal elections?
HC: That’s the goal, a goal within our reach. The campaign really starts at the beginning of the year. We will go to meet the people of Nice with our different sensitivities but united, on a program, and especially on common values where ethics is the key word. Who else could claim to defend the non-accumulation of mandates, the refusal of the professionalization of politics, the independence of voting by elected officials, the consultation of citizens, etc.?
NP: In your opinion, which candidates will still be in the running for this second round?
HC: I am not the one to distribute tickets for the finale. We are in a democracy, let the people of Nice make this choice. Our campaign will not be based on petty, lethal phrases but on values and ethics.
NP: Finally, what are the key dates of your electoral calendar?
HC: 65 days of proximity campaigning. We are not going to just wait in an office, but we will meet the people of Nice where they live and work, in all the neighborhoods of the city.
