On the occasion of the opening of her office, the National Front candidate delivered wishes with strong political undertones. The electoral competition is gaining momentum, and the Nice Bleu Marine candidate wants to embody strong opposition to the outgoing mayor Christian Estrosi’s political agenda.
The FN lead candidate also officially introduced the first group of those who will accompany her “in this adventure,” as she herself wanted to define the electoral competition.
Gallery owner Guillaume Aral, whose name had been mentioned as the lead candidate before Ms. Arnautu’s appointment, will be number 2 in charge of financial issues. Luce Ferron, highly involved in community life and neighborhoods, will follow as number 3, while Marc-André Domergue (number 4), well-known among rugby enthusiasts, will be in charge of sports, with Martine Martinon (number 5) representing the business world.
An unexpected novelty is the presence on the list (as number 8) of Marie-Christine Arnautu’s campaign manager, Gaël Nofri, one of the party’s most promising figures at the local level, who expressed his thoughts on his candidacy: “By accepting Marie-Christine Arnautu’s proposal to be the campaign manager for the Nice Bleu Marine list, I intended to continue my commitment to Nice and the national and patriotic values that are mine. However, it is evident that I was also taking on a heavy responsibility. Therefore, after discussing with Marie-Christine Arnautu, as well as with fellow candidates, activists, and supporters, I chose to take the 8th position on this list. A position that currently guarantees me nothing.”
Statement by Marie-Christine Arnautu
FN Candidate for the Nice municipal elections in March 2014
A very happy 2014, which I hope and wish for our city as well.
I will not dwell on past mistakes, current poor management, or the failings of the outgoing team. This evening is a moment of hope that I want to resolutely turn towards the future and our recovery.
This recovery involves a radical change in policy: restoring safety to our compatriots, allowing them to build and control their destiny: that is my objective and that of the Nice Bleu Marine list.
Returning to them the first of their freedoms: physical safety. The whole proves that the supposedly security-focused policies carried out by one and another have only resulted in spectacular failures.
Returning economic security as well: ensuring employment, maintaining purchasing power, and fair taxation. 205 increases or new taxes under Nicolas Sarkozy, 83 new taxes since François Hollande took office, and deindustrialization leading to the loss of 100,000 jobs per year in France.
Finally, returning social security: ensuring our compatriots have a roof over their heads, protecting those who are suffering, handicapped, or ill. It is high time to put an end to a devastating immigration policy. French fraternity will only be reborn when we are able to apply national priority, as practiced in many countries…
All these securities that you are right to demand rest on essential pillars, the foundations of any flourishing society: family and Nation, both so battered for decades.
In this political struggle, the commune is a fundamental level because it is the one of real democracy, proximity, listening, and daily life.
I wish and want that in 2014, the municipality can offer the people of Nice the well-being they deserve. That Nice is more beautiful, safer, more prosperous.
I want your elected representatives to stand beside you, not stifling you under ever-increasing taxation and an abyssal debt…, I want them to respond to your daily needs. I want to reform the municipal pact and change the way politics is done.
I want to work with you, surrounded by a willing, available team detached from small selfish interests and concerned only with the general interest of our city.
We will not be there to chase after positions, jobs, and perks. We will not be there to engage in despicable electoral schemes, but to let the voice of the people be heard first, notably through the various local referenda we will implement.
We will always remember that it is you who have mandated us to represent you and manage your money in your best interests. We will therefore embody our desire to place you at the center of Municipal life because you are indeed at the center of our concerns.
I know you hold, like me, the flame of another future in your hearts… Together, with this flame of hope in Nice Bleu Marine, let’s build 2014.
