The secret was well kept, but the signals were undeniable. For some time now, Christian Estrosi’s interest in the PACA Region has been evident. So it is he whom Nicolas Sarkozy has endorsed to attempt to succeed Michel Vauzelle.
He, who loves the Parisian scene, kept returning to the actions and achievements of Michel Vauzelle, even though it’s well known that the relationship between those from Nice and those from Marseille is not exactly warm.
Just the day before yesterday, the President of the Metropolis’s criticisms of the regional authority during the presentation of the 2015 budget were biting, but the conclusion left the door open for the future: “when we are at the head of the Region…” Christian Estrosi declared with a conqueror’s tone, holding out hope for better times ahead, contrary to the difficult relations with the current governance (socialist and Marseillais).
Well, now the news is out and the curtain has risen on the name of the UMP candidate for these regional elections*: it will indeed be him who will lead the charge on the citadel of regional power.
The showdown between the two heavyweights (Christian Estrosi and Eric Ciotti) of the right in the French Riviera was resolved with an equitable compromise: one takes local power (Metropolis and Region), while the other gets a national and ministerial role (if conditions allow).
Moreover, thanks to these new competencies and an increasingly European role, Regions, PACA included, are becoming strategic points on the political chessboard.
Indeed, if one looks ahead, it will be the territories (regions and metropolises) around which the future governance of economic and social development will be constructed.
In this regard, Christian Estrosi has once again demonstrated that he remains a step ahead of his political adversaries and rivals: taking first place in Marseille is worth much more than a second-rate position in Paris.
Now, it’s about stepping onto the highest spot on the podium: will Marseille, once despised, soon become Marseille the beautiful?
“Given the significance of the stakes,” between “the disastrous record of the left” and “the dead end that the National Front would represent,” the UMP president has “asked” Mr. Estrosi, deputy-mayor of Nice and President of the NCA Metropolis, “whose experience is well-known, to lead the list for these elections.”
The response from the concerned party was swift: “I thank @NicolasSarkozy for his trust, I am awaiting the confirmation from the CNI this Thursday to begin the assembly in #PACA” (being himself the president of this nominating body, there’s no doubt this is an understatement!).
Facing him, Christian Estrosi will undoubtedly have to contend with the young Marion Maréchal-Le Pen, National Front Deputy of the 3rd constituency of Vaucluse, and Christophe Castaner, deputy-mayor of Forcalquier, who will be heading the PS list.
Christophe Castaner did not miss the opportunity to highlight the difference between his nomination (members’ primary of the party) and the selection process of his two adversaries, styled as “at the prince’s will”: #Sarkozy’s grandson not being available, he designates #Estrosi as the candidate for the #Regionales2015 for the @regionpaca #FamilyAffair.
The hostilities seem to have begun, as we await December…
