The recent news stories concerning security issues have reignited the opposition from opposition councilor Philippe Vardon, who has made this topic his main focus.
In this press release, he attributes the responsibility for this deterioration to the mayor of Nice.
When one is in opposition, one opposes…
Not a day goes by without security issues taking the spotlight in Nice’s news. Here, the beaches are closed at 10 PM to avoid the troubles caused by delinquents, there, residents of yet another neighborhood plagued by drug trafficking who have had enough, and here again, the employees of the McDonald’s on Avenue Jean Médecin who report the climate of tension and violence they endure. Unfortunately, the examples are too many…
Where is this “showcase city of security” once promised by Christian Estrosi? Where is this mayor so proud of himself that he asked in 2010 to fine mayors who did not achieve good enough results in the field? Where now are the figures from the “public tranquility observatory” once published by the municipality in Nice Matin?
We are reaching the end of a system, and communication is no longer enough, just as the technology on which Christian Estrosi has heavily relied is showing its stark limitations. A human presence, deterrent and active when necessary, is the key to restoring security in our city, and Christian Estrosi himself finally acknowledges this by requesting additional national police officers.
But one can no longer be content with begging and waiting; urgent action is needed to restore order with simple, direct measures at the municipal level: a network of 10 Municipal Police posts in Nice; foot patrols covering the whole city and patrols in public transport; a strengthened canine brigade and a renewed bike patrol. To feel reassured and protected, the people of Nice need to see police officers, not just be seen by cameras…
Philippe Vardon, Municipal and Metropolitan Councilor of Nice
