Dominique Estrosi, Municipal Councilor, City Hall of Nice UMP:
My first reaction immediately focused on the exceptional voter turnout among the French, which has been one of the highest rates in the history of the Fifth Republic—a tremendous lesson in democracy.
It is a sign that when we show interest in our fellow citizens, when we are active on the ground discussing real issues, their everyday concerns openly, voters reconnect with the ballot box.
However, my reaction was even more enthusiastic upon discovering the extraordinary score obtained by Nicolas Sarkozy nationwide and particularly in the Alpes-Maritimes, proving that he was right to speak openly with the French and to make this campaign a test of truth by reaffirming the values of work, merit, responsibility, and decency, and by addressing the true debates on immigration, security, and social inequalities.
Nevertheless, May 6th is already upon us.
For this second round, the mobilized voters like never before will not let their democratic victory be stolen, a victory of renewed trust in politics, of renewal, and of future choices for them and their children.
They have already understood this and will confirm it through a true dynamic.
This dynamic is embodied today by Nicolas Sarkozy who more than ever will address all the French regardless of their origins, beliefs, or party who love France and want to say no to inevitability and decline.
I am confident for the 15 days of this new campaign that is opening, but this battle remains difficult knowing that majorities are often decided by a thread.
In my modest responsibilities as a local elected official, I know because I hear it and live it in the neighborhoods, often the most difficult ones, that the working-class electorate, young people, people often in difficult situations, but also all social strata that have the will to live together by sharing the same values today feel listened to and have the hope and feeling that tomorrow with Nicolas Sarkozy, they will be able to live in this country they love—France, in this city of theirs, Nice—with the same opportunities and the same rights, by making efforts but never being abandoned and being protected against violence.
We have fifteen days left to unite and mobilize around the social project carried by Nicolas Sarkozy.
