On Tuesday, June 10, the mayor of Nice welcomed dozens of elected officials from the overseas territories. On the occasion of a ceremony in honor of these regions, he highlighted the close ties woven between the city of Nice and the Overseas Territories, while reassuring his guests about the central administration.
“We come from far away. But Nice is a very beautiful city, we are happy to be here today,” confides an official from Wallis and Futuna. In the city hall, nearly a hundred elected representatives from the overseas territories gathered for this ceremony in their honor. Everyone chatted, happy to be reunited, and delighted to form this collective force on the occasion of the Third United Nations Conference. These territories are directly affected by climate change issues. That is why, on the sidelines of the UNOC-3, Christian Estrosi decided to pay them tribute.
A history of relations with the overseas territories
Christian Estrosi arrived on stage with a big smile. He began his speech with anecdotes and reiterated his long-standing attachment to the territories far from the mainland. “All the stories of the Overseas Territories have passed through my office,” he added, “For me, true France is the one of diversity. With you.”
The mayor of Nice played the card of fraternity with one of the officials present. “You gave me a gift in 2016, you saw it, it’s still in my office. With me, it’s like that when a friend gives me a present. Impossible to part with it.”
Christian Estrosi also recalled the connections between the metropolis of Nice and the cities of the overseas territories. “Nice is twinned with Nouméa, Saint-Denis of Reunion, Papeete.” These are cooperative relationships, especially during this period of climate alert for the Overseas Territories.
Reassuring about relations with the central administration
This ceremony also provided an opportunity for Christian Estrosi to reassure on the administrative aspect between the overseas territories and the mainland. “Sometimes there are conflicts, confrontations, especially with the central administration, I know that. Those technocrats who think they know everything,” said the mayor of Nice. “If you ever need a colleague, a mayor, know that you have a friend here on the Mediterranean. To defend you and support your claims,” he reassured, before concluding. “In Nice, you are at home. We will always be happy to welcome you. You are all in my heart.”
The ceremony concluded in a very warm atmosphere, with a traditional dance and a friendly toast between Christian Estrosi and his guests.
