A substantial agenda was planned for this city council meeting. Below are the most important decisions approved by the city officials of Nice.
This first city council meeting of 2021 was highly anticipated by everyone. Partially organized at the city hall (with some officials participating via videoconference to adhere to social distancing rules), it fully delivered on its promises. In response to attacks from the opposition, particularly on budgetary issues, Christian Estrosi did not hesitate to flex his muscles. Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux, a municipal councilor from Europe Ecologie Les Verts, was the subject of his criticism: “I think you’re smarter than the silly air you’re trying to project.” Similarly, the representative of the Rassemblement National, Philippe Vardon, was sharply rebuked by Christian Estrosi: “You lost the election, and it’s not you occupying my position.” However, other important debates were also addressed in the chamber.
The Students
Concerning Covid-19, Christian Estrosi reaffirmed his support for students by implementing assistance measures. “Our city now has 45,000 students. Many of them are in distress and isolated,” notes the mayor of Nice. “Student precarity is not a new phenomenon. Our action must therefore be both structural and conjunctural.” To address these issues, Christian Estrosi announced the establishment of a citizen reserve of students, with the creation of temporary job positions. Additionally, psychologists, social workers, sophrologists, therapists, and sports teachers are available to support students as well as all isolated individuals during this challenging period.
Live Performances
The mayor of Nice addressed a sector particularly affected by this challenging health period: live performances. The city council thus endorses the revival of the “My Summer in Nice” initiative. This plan notably provides support for the creation of performances, which will be broadcast on the city’s digital platforms. “The health crisis forces us to rethink how these activities operate,” explains Christian Estrosi. “We must find other means of dissemination to make them accessible to all audiences.”
Museums
The year 2021 promises to be eventful for the city’s museums. Despite this challenging period due to Covid-19, the city council approves the launch of modernization work on the nationally and internationally renowned Matisse, MAMAC, and Beaux-Arts museums. “This project is part of a much broader endeavor, including the renovation of the opera house, the restoration of the churches of Gesรน and Cimiez, and the enhancement of the TNN…” details Christian Estrosi.
Culture in Schools
The city council also adopts a call for expressions of interest regarding the “Nice 100% Culture at School” – Music for All plan. This initiative allows every child enrolled in Nice to benefit from a cultural activity by bringing artists into the schools. This should enhance children’s interest in the cultural sector and should also have a favorable impact on the actors in this struggling sector.
Urban Agriculture
Finally, the city council approves the development of urban agriculture and food gardens in the municipality of Nice. “This corresponds with the requirements of our local urban plan, which aims to move towards self-sufficiency in the quality of our farmers’ expertise,” assures Christian Estrosi. Thus, the city of Nice plans to create shared gardens in all neighborhoods, new shaded areas in public spaces, all while pursuing the objective of planting one tree per inhabitant. Schools are targeted with the greening of playgrounds and energy renovation work on buildings.
