“This is not just a juxtaposition of names. It’s a team effort and we will enrich each other with our skills.” Ambre Gomez, a community activist, explains the rationale behind the Nice Citizen and Alter-globalist (NICEA) slate, candidate for the municipal elections in Nice. Since no alliance could be formed with the former socialist candidates, community activists, union members, politicians (LCR and Alternatives), and environmentalists decided to band together. Last on the starting grid so a delay at the launch? Alternative Municipal Councilor Bruno Della Sudda responds: “It took time and teamwork. We wanted to make sure we were all in agreement on the approach and the programmatic basis.” Three commissions have been created: planning and environment, democracy, solidarity and living together. The program will be developed during assemblies and meetings following the concept of Social Forums. Some elements include: rejection of the OIN (National Interest Operation) of the Plaine du Var deemed anti-democratic, opposition to the port in the west and a cruise project, renovation of the current Stade du Ray, construction as soon as possible of the second tramway line from west to east and service to the Ariane neighborhood, moving some municipal services to the Sulzer parking lot. The NICEA list will make housing a priority by ensuring decent living conditions applying preemption and requisition. It will create a municipal management of public services (water, transport, cafeterias, parking lots). It promises to consult the citizens of Nice on decisions to be made: “We want to give the floor back to the citizens. We will not say: ‘We consult and then talk away…’”, claims Loïc Fortuit (LCR).
The group believes it is the only 100% left-wing list and thus voters of this persuasion, without their candidacy, would have abstained and not been heard. Alternative Municipal Councilor Bruno Della Sudda analyzes: “On the local level, it’s division. In this context, another left-wing expression is needed to do politics differently and propose an alternative, a clear and 100% left-wing policy. Patrick Mottard does not have a clearly left-wing list. As for Patrick Allemand, he wants to boost business tourism and plans to relocate the port to the west of Nice.” Renaud de Varent, a unionist, continues about Patrick Allemand: “He presents himself as the continuation of Nice Plurielle (editor’s note: municipal opposition). It’s presumptuous and manipulative!” And Bruno Della Sudda confirms: “I was seven years in Nice Plurielle. I never saw Patrick Allemand except at the last meeting…”
Different and otherwise are the keywords of the candidacy. The lead candidate is not designated, going against the usual media-political habits and surprising journalists accustomed to announcements. “The lead candidate will be announced Friday during the public meeting at the Hotel Splendid. We want to reserve the announcement for those present in the room. The media will be informed at the same time,” shares Ambre Gomez, and Loïc Fortuit adds: “It’s also important to remember the principle of the municipal election where one votes for a list and a program above all.”
So for those who want to know more, meet us Friday, January 18 at 7 PM at the Hotel Splendid! You will certainly learn more than the journalists… But after all, isn’t this direct democracy?
