Now an essential event for Christian Estrosi’s voters, the traditional friends’ evening brought together 6,000 people at Albert 1st Garden on Friday, September 1st. A most memorable political comeback!
Guests began arriving slowly from 6 pm. Dressed for the occasion, the cloudy weather and the cool breeze did not deter the voters and friends of the Mayor of Nice. On the menu for this dinner were socca and champagne, along with a good dose of politics. Indeed, the Mayor of Nice invited former Prime Minister and President of the Horizons group, Édouard Philippe. A presentation awkwardly missed by a Christian Estrosi who, filled with emotion, announced “my dear Édouard Balladur.” Saved by the audience’s laughter, the gaffe didn’t leave a lasting impression.
It should be noted that the mayor of Nice kept people waiting. Scheduled for 6 pm, he only took to the stage at 8 pm. Handshakes and selfies along the way only fueled the voters’ impatience. But this delay was quickly forgotten when Christian Estrosi took to the stage arm in arm with his wife Laura Tenoudji-Estrosi and alongside Édouard Philippe.
Two key topics for Christian Estrosi’s comeback
The political year of the Mayor of Nice was broadcasted on the two large screens installed at Albert 1st Garden. One could see a mayor close to his people and in constant action. Whether on construction sites or in schools, Christian Estrosi presents himself as an especially active mayor for a very dynamic city. For the new political year, the Mayor of Nice wants to focus on two topics: secularism and decentralization. Christian Estrosi portrays himself as a “staunch defender of secularism” and claims to share the recent remarks by Gérald Darmanin concerning the Abaya.
“When in our schools I see kids organizing prayers in their playground or that under the guise of an Abaya secularism is disregarded, I say: ‘not here’ (…) When in the hospital, some refuse that their wives be examined by a man I say: ‘There’s only one doctor, the present doctor, the doctor of the Republic!’
The other major point addressed by Christian Estrosi concerns decentralization. According to him, there is a need to give more resources to local officials. They must be given leeway to act to allow them the possibility to better protect the population. Christian Estrosi also laments the lack of responsiveness of the French justice system which hinders local action. Finally, he wishes to benefit from greater autonomy to take initiatives on an experimental basis across all fields, with the goal of making these actions permanent if proven effective.
The Mayor of Nice also praised the courage and determination of Nice’s workers. For him, it is through their tireless efforts that: “Nice is on the world map.” The mayor is delighted with the promising year that awaits the city of Nice. For the first time, the Ironman will take place in Nice. Four Rugby World Cup matches will be played in Nice. And finally, at the pinnacle of recognition, Nice will be the capital of the Oceans in 2025. Christian Estrosi concluded this promising speech:
“Impossible is not from Nice, long live Nice, long live the Republic and long live France!”
The admiring words of the Mayor of Le Havre, Édouard Philippe
After praising Nice’s light by echoing the words of the painter Matisse, the Mayor of Le Havre declared being fascinated by this light as much as by the city’s mayor. A laudatory speech, therefore, addressed to a mayor with whom he shares friendship and political beliefs. Édouard Philippe, whose actions as Prime Minister were praised by Christian Estrosi, clearly showed his admiration for the city of Nice:
“France has much to learn from Nice, A certain warmth in hospitality, a certain art of living. A capacity to evolve as well, to transform without losing its essence.”
The evening continued in a warm and convivial atmosphere. The guests were able to enjoy a 100% Nissart meal which included, among others, the legendary pan bagnat.
