In a measured atmosphere, far from the lavish evenings, Christian Estrosi’s supporters were able to change their slogan from the last Friday night rally from “we’re going to win,” full of hope, to the more joyous “we won!”
While victory is sweet and should be celebrated appropriately, the circumstances indeed call for a certain level of restraint. Without the withdrawal of the socialist candidate and a massive shift of votes from the left-wing “republican forces,” the result would have been entirely different this Sunday evening.
The call for “resistance” made by the right-wing candidate after the first round certainly had an effect, increasing the voter turnout by nearly 10%.
However, moving from 26% to nearly 55% of the votes between the two electoral rounds requires a different explanation and makes it clear that, even though it might seem paradoxical, the right-wing candidate owes his election to the left-wing voters, including the radical left!
Who still says politics is not the art of the possible, or sometimes the improbable?
As a savvy politician, the new president of the PACA region knows this well, and in his speech to his Nice supporters (who supported him once again with nearly 64% of the vote), he did not forget to say: “I thank the left-wing people who sacrificed themselves by stepping aside for this victory. This spirit of resistance will be a guide.”
Now the work begins to ensure that the campaign slogan, “things are going to change,” finds its full application.
A team will need to be formed, and the presence of Renaud Muselier alongside Christian Estrosi, beyond the circumstances, indicates that the people of Marseille have not conceded to those of Nice.
Because, as they say in the Phocean city, one Niรงois is fine, but too many…
