Senator Mayor Jacques Peyrat appeared disappointed, bitter, and very upset after the Marseille Court of Appeal announced the rejection of the appeal against the suspension of the construction of the Nice Grand Stadium: “It’s a tragedy, a catastrophe, how to get out of this? I don’t know, it could take years. What is sure is that the stadium will be built, but not on schedule, yet it will be built, the city needs it.” He feels trapped in a confusing situation and doesn’t see how to get out of it. Used to attacks against him, he finds them this time unjustified and considers the accusation unfounded, purely political, and with catastrophic consequences.
He regrets the advanced sums: “We will have to pay the company that did the work, we will suffer financially,” he explains. He also recalls that the people of Nice are not wealthy, that this represents lost jobs, dissatisfied citizens, problems for OGC Nice, and millions for the taxpayer to spend.
He responds to the preliminary investigation ordered by the public prosecutor Eric de Mongolfier for favoritism: “Favoritism? Certainly not. That’s not serious!”
The future is uncertain: “The future stadium will probably be built at the planned location but in a different way,” and he is worried about “OGC Nice, who does not shine with enthusiasm, dampened by the news, some players are even thinking of leaving.” Regarding the Ray stadium: “it does not meet the security requirements of a stadium demanded by the National Football League.”
As proof, he showed the contract for the grand stadium signed by Patrick Mottard and Jean-Franรงois Knecht (Nice Plurielle, opposition group), specifying they too prepared the file. For the Senator Mayor, the opposition attacked him with a view to the municipal elections in a way “contrary to all the rules of political combat.” “All that remains is to wait for a judgment that may take time,” he concluded, upset.
Report in the City Hall of Nice by Marie Pรฉrissรฉ.
