Arrived in Nice as part of the National Front Youth summer caravan, around forty activists spent their morning distributing their propaganda materials at the Liberation market.
They received a mixed reception from shopkeepers and homemakers, but everything eventually went well. It’s true that these clean-shaven youths seemed rather nice, in any case far from the hardline National Front stereotype. Moreover, a polished aesthetic also plays a part in repackaging!
Furthermore, for them, the issue is already resolved: “Marion for the Region” is a slogan that sounds good!
Leading the operation was Philippe Vardon, accustomed to public political propaganda operations in much more tense contexts. Another sign of the integration of Nice’s identitarian figures into the party led by Marine Le Pen and a confirmation of a candidacy that has been announced but not yet official.
It was also an opportunity to talk to Olivier Bettati, head of the “La France plein Sud” list in the Alpes-Maritimes.
Nice-Premium: Are the controversies over your candidacy on Marion Maréchal Le Pen’s list over?
Olivier Bettati: They don’t interest me. There is an election, and anyone can run. I admire MMLP, whom I did not know, and I am discovering her qualities. Our message is far from the clichés assigned to us in an instrumental manner. I have not joined the FN, and moreover, no one has asked me to. I am a right-wing man leading a right-wing list aimed at a right-wing electorate. It’s clear and simple.
Nice-Premium: What are your thoughts on this early electoral campaign?
Olivier Bettati: Really positive on the ground. I feel like things are coming together. We have only received good feedback.
Nice-Premium: Do the controversies with former activists who feel betrayed create problems for you and lessen your chances? You are accused as the number one…
Olivier Bettati: Even though my name has come up, I don’t feel concerned. I don’t know these people, and I am unfamiliar with the internal dynamics of the FN. In hindsight, I think we can speak about a generational issue that can be understood even if the tone is frankly excessive and above all, sterile.”
