Christian Estrosi, followed by Julien Picot’s Communist Party, and finally Eric Ciotti, made their political comebacks. Three styles, three strategies, but one common goal: to make an impact on the 2026 municipal elections.
In Nice, the end of August marked the return of the major political meetings. Three events, three ways to lay the groundwork for the 2026 municipal campaign. Christian Estrosi gathered his supporters at Jardin Albert-1er during the “Lou festin Nissart.” Eric Ciotti chose Levens to officially announce his candidacy and call for a right-wing union. The Communist Party, at Place Saint-Roch, emphasized the need for a united front on the left. Each took care to outline their priorities, without hiding the tensions.
Christian Estrosi between achievements and warnings
On Friday, August 29, more than 6,000 people attended the annual banquet of the mayor of Nice. At the large tables set up under the trees of Jardin Albert-1er, Christian Estrosi highlighted his past actions and his role as a guarantor of municipal stability. “The campaign will start in February,” he assured, refusing to comment directly on Eric Ciotti’s candidacy announced two days earlier.
The mayor emphasized the need to complete his mandate. “I would be criticized a lot if I did not see through the responsibilities entrusted to me. I was not elected for five and a half years, but for six years.” He reiterated his desire to position himself as a bulwark against the “extremes,” promoting a stance above political divides.
However, on several occasions, indirect remarks targeted his rivals. “Perhaps there are many who are now interested in Nice because there isn’t much left to do, as I have accomplished so much,” he said, without naming his opponent.
Regarding the legal case related to Junior Eurovision, the mayor appeared calm. “I am not accused by anyone, there is no prosecution. My fellow citizens know that I have always been a model of exemplary behavior.”
The left aims to assert itself in the duel
On Saturday, August 30, at Place Saint-Roch, the Communist Party of Alpes-Maritimes organized its comeback. About a hundred people attended the gathering. Julien Picot, departmental secretary, emphasized the intention to build a left-wing union in Nice and other communities in the department. “In Nice, Cannes, Le Cannet, Antibes, Grasse, Menton, Contes, La Trinité, Cagnes, Saint-Laurent, Gattières, Vence, Saorge, Biot, Mougins, the Communist Party plays a role in constructing lists of unity,” he detailed.
For them, the municipal battle is open. “The city is facing a historic moment. Here, two right-wing factions will clash: the reactionary one of Christian Estrosi and the extreme one of Eric Ciotti, a single project with two ways of communicating it. For the people of Nice, it’s a golden opportunity for the left to finally reclaim power! A political earthquake within our reach.”
Alongside them, environmentalists and socialists confirmed their desire to unite their forces. Patrick Allemand, foremost among Nice’s socialists, insisted: “we are not here to save a few seats but to win, because it is possible.” Juliette Chesnel-Leroux, an elected environmentalist, praised “two years of constructive work” conducted together.
While La France Insoumise is not yet in the game, the communists assert that discussions are still possible. Their priority: housing, purchasing power, and free public transport. “We must put ego battles aside,” insisted Julien Picot.
Eric Ciotti’s call to “all the right-wing factions”
On Sunday, August 31, it was Eric Ciotti’s turn to conclude the series of political comebacks far from Nice, at Levens in front of 3,500 attendees. It was a way to solidify with the population his candidacy for the mayoralty of Nice. The deputy of Alpes-Maritimes, president of the Union of Right-Wing Parties (UDR), reiterated his objective: to unite the right-wing around him. “The right is the majority. What are we waiting for to unite?” he exclaimed. And added: “I tell my Republican friends: do not vote confidence on September 8. Come back home!”
He also praised the legacy of Jacques Médecin, citing Acropolis or the theater of Nice among the facilities to be preserved. “Thank you, Martine, for being here,” he added, referring to the daughter of the former mayor.
Accompanied by UDR deputies and figures of the National Rally, Eric Ciotti made numerous local promises, with a series of “If I were mayor of Nice…”. He announced his intention to cancel the property tax increase, double the municipal police force, demand a new prison, institute two hours of free parking, and even remove the monumental sculpture from Place Garibaldi.
His supporters were enthusiastic and hope for his victory “with all their hearts”, particularly due to local taxation. They are aficionados eager to see new momentum for the city of Nice.
Officially, Christian Estrosi postpones any campaign involvement to February. Eric Ciotti, on the other hand, claims a clear candidacy from now. The communists are laying the groundwork for a union. These three comebacks, within hours of each other, already set the tone: the battle for the municipal elections of 2026 in Nice has begun.
