Last week, the left and the Ecologists, united for the 2026 municipal elections, held a working session on housing. Associations, collectives, and professionals were invited to provide a status report and outline action plans. The findings are harsh, and the proposals are concrete.
An unprecedented gathering took place in Nice. Initiated by the united left and Ecologists in view of the 2026 municipal elections, the meeting brought together various housing stakeholders. The goal: confront diagnostics, gather proposals, and pave the way for a shift in a city where access to housing has, according to participants, become a puzzle for most residents.
For the united left, the situation is critical. The rate of primary residences is well below the national average. Social housing falls significantly short of legal obligations. Meanwhile, rents have reached levels that are pushing some people of Nice out of their city.
According to them, this situation is not inevitable. It stems from political choices. Over the years, priorities have leaned towards tourism investment, luxury real estate development, and land speculation, transforming the city.
Tourism Over Residents
Participants highlighted troubling statistics. In Nice, half of the available beds are for tourist use. Social housing, intended to represent 25% of the stock, is capped at 14.2%. In some areas, the average wait time for social housing exceeds three years. Meanwhile, many homes remain vacant or are converted into short-term rentals. In this regard, the role of platforms like Airbnb was heavily criticized.
In response to this situation, the forces gathered announced their intention to initiate a political shift. Their project is structured around five axes.
First, redirect the use of existing buildings. The idea is to mobilize vacant housing, unoccupied offices, or tourist accommodations to convert them into primary residences. Regulatory and fiscal tools are mentioned to make these transformations possible.
Next, control rent levels. Cities like Paris, Lyon, or Lille have already implemented capping measures. The Nice left aims to deploy this by 2026.
The third pillar: the development of social housing. According to project leaders, 70% of Nice residents are eligible for this type of housing. The aim would not only be to build but also to better distribute these homes across all neighborhoods, promoting social diversity. The targeted goal is 20% social housing by the end of the term, with an objective of 25% in the longer term.
A fourth axis aims to meet the needs of specific groups: students, seasonal workers, young workers, or the homeless. Partnerships are envisaged with universities, employers, and specialized associations.
Finally, the coalition seeks to improve housing quality. This involves fighting against substandard housing, supporting renovation efforts, and implementing stricter policies against slum landlords.
The Solution of the United Left: A New PLU
This strategy will be framed, organizers say, within a new Local Urban Plan (PLU). This PLU, to be drafted at the beginning of their term, would be developed with residents and housing stakeholders. It would integrate environmental constraints and exclude densification operations that exacerbate soil impermeabilization.
In the background, an alternative economic model is being proposed. It aims to limit over-tourism in favor of more sustainable local activities. Here, housing would be seen as a right, not as a commodity.
The approach was praised by the associations present, who appreciated being heard. The challenge remains to convince the people of Nice. Participants are well aware of this. The task is daunting. It will require overcoming resignation, preconceived notions, and entrenched interests. But, they conclude, the current situation is no longer sustainable.
