When voting on the 2009 budget during the City Council meeting, Patrick Allemand spoke up and criticized Christian Estrosi, referencing several figures. “You are a dangerous person,” declared the Mayor of Nice, directed at the Socialist councilor. This was in response to accusations from the leader of the “Change the Era” group and was an elaboration on a previous statement in which he had called Allemand “stupid” a few days earlier. “You are not stupid, you are a petty politician. I said your attitude was stupid and I stand by that today,” exclaimed the Mayor.
After the verbal joust ended, the voting on the 2009 budget began, immediately followed by various other matters. However, Patrick Allemand attempted to speak again, with the Mayor refusing to turn on his microphone. “If you won’t let me respond, I will leave the session,” the opposition leader announced. True to his word, he stood up and left the room, accompanied by his team.
Patrick Allemand explains…
Upon exiting, the former mayoral candidate of Nice was swarmed by journalists and explained his behavior. “I cannot accept the comments he made. I cannot accept him saying that the same left-wing councilors encouraged rioters after the demonstrations for Peace in Gaza. That is totally false. I cannot accept being called a liar, and worse than that! Since he implied that I use communication techniques of the major pre-war (1939) extreme right-wing leaders […] He completely disregards his opposition. I wish for the debates to regain dignity. […] And under no circumstances be insulting as the Mayor was this morning,” Allemand stated.
Christian Estrosi also clarified his side of the events. “This is an unprecedented situation. After deliberation, one cannot speak again. Mr. Allemand did not respect the internal regulation. He had plenty of time to express himself before the decision was made and not when another matter had already started. I regret that he left. It was their duty to be able to give their opinion.”
…and might sue the Mayor of Nice
Following this “very serious and intolerable” incident, Patrick Allemand held a press conference on Friday afternoon next to the City Council chamber, even as it continued its session. “My intervention this morning was perfectly argued and the figures are true. The Mayor of Nice, as often, diverted by changing the subject,” he explained. Reiterating his earlier statements to journalists, the councilor, who maintains that the Mayor “crossed the bounds of tolerability,” condemns all his terms and demands that Christian Estrosi “withdraw them and offer an apology.” If refused, he would be taken to court for defamation and public insult.
“For twenty-five years, I have been fighting for the values and ideas of our Republic with strength and truthfulness. I am extremely hurt to be attacked in this way.” Patrick Allemand also stated that he wishes no contact with Christian Estrosi and has informed him of his request “through the media”.
