The “battle” between the three fishmongers of Place Saint-François, who had been moved a hundred meters away to Place Toja due to renovation work and wanted to return to their original spot once the work was completed, and the municipality, which aims to give this place a more commercial organization with trees and terraces to attract tourists, has ended.
After much doubt and hesitation, and a petition that looked somewhat political judging by a few signatures, the fishmongers will return to their spot, even though it won’t be exactly the same—they will be moved a few meters.
The mayor of Nice announced it yesterday, taking care to embellish a decision that seems like a capitulation: “Indeed, their installation must strictly comply with the hygiene conditions mandated by sanitary regulations, in accordance with the rules governing the use of public domain by all economic actors of the square, while also considering the priority given to all municipal events planned for the square.”
Exultation among the supporters of the battling fishmongers:
From Nouméa, engaged in the electoral campaign for the New Caledonia independence referendum—physically distant but spiritually present—Eric Ciotti declared: “Our fight paid off. Thanks to our action with the fishmongers of Place Saint-François, we have been heard. We will be vigilant regarding their next return, essential to our Niçois heritage.”
“A victory of popular mobilization” for Philippe Vardon (RN), who is not used to making concessions, especially not to Christian Estrosi: “Like many Niçois, I received the announcement of the fishmongers’ return to the old town, at their Place Saint-François, with great joy and relief. No one should be fooled by municipal communication: it was indeed the popular sentiment, and the related mobilization, particularly online, that pushed the Estrosi municipality to permit this return.”
Patrick Allemand chose lyricism: “The soul of Place Saint-François will not be sacrificed thanks to exceptional citizen mobilization.”
And what about the seagulls, irreplaceable actors of the musical animation, will they return?
Let’s stop here before attracting the attention of Ordralfabetex, the fishmonger friend of Asterix. With the Gauls, one should not joke too much… for information, ask President Macron.
