During his press conference, Jean-Marie Le Pen, among other accusations against the Mayor of Nice, pulled one out of his hat: transforming the Nice seafront into a… “Romenade des Anglais”! While it is well-known that the old far-right leader has a sharp wit, Christian Estrosi’s tenacity is also well recognized.
This led to a response from the Mayor of Nice, followed by a counter-response from the lively campaign director of the National Front (FN), Gaël Nofri.
Though the “dolce stile novo” of literature is not particularly highlighted, one cannot help but notice the reactivity of both parties just a few months before the municipal elections.
While awaiting the swordplay of the electoral campaign, for now, we are still at the level of verbal sparring…
For Christian Estrosi, Deputy Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis: “‘Romenade’ is a ‘Lepenade’ which, beyond its populist excess, shows disdain for Nice.
Mr. Le Pen seeks to tarnish the image of our city; together with the people of Nice, I prefer to dedicate my energy towards having the most beautiful Promenade in the World listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
A quick retort from Gaël NOFRI, President of Nice Génération Espoir and campaign director for Marie Christine ARNAUTU (FN) in the upcoming municipal elections in Nice.
“Christian Estrosi explains he is dedicating himself to the interests of the people of Nice by attempting to have the Promenade des Anglais listed by UNESCO — a new ‘swindle’ that the people of Nice will quickly recognize for its limitations and demagogy. He, who wanted to disfigure this site by introducing tram line 2, is in no position to claim to protect, preserve, and enhance the Promenade des Anglais.
Moreover, before considering any potential protection of one of the most beautiful and emblematic spaces in the City of Nice, it would be more prudent to think about the development of what is becoming an urban highway and an open-air squat, far removed from its role as a showcase and promenade.
In 2012, I made concrete and realistic proposals to enhance, decongest, and requalify the Promenade des Anglais… As a pure amateur in communication, Christian Estrosi remains fixated on his sole project: obtaining a label that will solve nothing.
A new scam, likely costly, certainly media-driven, but as always, totally useless!”
The political season is shaping up to be quite heated in the capital of the Côte d’Azur.
