With a final meeting this Friday at noon, in a place oh-so-symbolic, the Théâtre Francis Gag, the heart of Nice’s cultural and linguistic tradition in the old town, Christian Estrosi gave the final push in a campaign played on the offensive.
A final speech, “with heart on sleeve” in perfect “nissartité” tones, he retraced the path taken and the achievements during the first term in the neighborhood.
However, Christian Estrosi also outlined the road for the next term, which he claims to be auspicious and equally promising in terms of results.
One can agree or disagree with the outgoing mayor, concur or not with him on the values he proclaims and the ideas he implements, appreciate or not his sometimes authoritative and/or popular behavior depending on people and circumstances, support or not his ambitions and achievements, but how can one deny this will of iron, this total involvement to be a mayor more than just local, almost “ubiquitous”?
Moreover, upon reflection, how can one not admit that politics is noble but also cynical, that there is a part of truth but also of falsehood in every speech and action, that tactics and propaganda are often the amalgam of the formula for success and that experience gives the ability to see the reality up close as from afar without being lulled by illusions?
And yet, that human nature is what it is, and that men have ideals but also interests, and that these are not just expressed in general terms, but often in particular and personal ones?
Finally, not to deny the truth but to look it in the face, if power in public service is neutral, it can just as well be “good” if used for the community just as it can be “unhealthy” if used for oneself.
These “end of campaign” reflections came to mind while listening, once again, to Christian Estrosi’s speech this morning: He practically has victory in his pocket and still wanted to lay out his ideas, his commitment, and his will.
His detractors say he is a “self-taught” thinking perhaps to label him with a negative tag, a kind of original sin. But, self-taught though he may be (so what?), there is no doubt he has well learned the lesson at the school of political life and clearly demonstrates the validity of the aphorism: “Power only wears out those who do not have it,” which is both the response and the explanation of how one manages to survive all the decades and avatars of power itself.
On Sunday, once again, it will be up to the voters to express, with their vote, whether Christian Estrosi is the best candidate, or not, to be mayor of Nice.
To us, it matters little, but as outside observers, it is hard to deny that he knows how to brilliantly apply the most effective and efficient method in relations with the electorate: “agree with everyone (or the maximum) so that everyone agrees with him.” Not forgetting a strong ambition and an exceptional vitality.
Besides, “homo faber fortunae suae” – is it not?
