The National Rally held a press conference with elected officials from Nice and Corsica to express their views on the new tax by Christian Estrosi on Corsican ferries.
Indeed, the Mayor of Nice announced some time ago his intention to introduce a 60 euro tax that each motorist will have to pay when boarding a ferry from Nice to the Island of Beauty.
The RN strongly condemned this decision during a press conference on Wednesday, October 6th. In the presence of two Corsican elected officials, François Filoni, former deputy mayor of Ajaccio and RN delegate for Corsica, and Nathaly Antona, a member of the RN regional office in Corsica, the regional, municipal, and metropolitan councilor of Nice, Philippe Vardon, led the discussion alongside Geneviève Pozzo di Borgo, a municipal and metropolitan councilor of Nice.
They have called upon David Lisnard, president of the Côte d’Azur tourism committee, to request his intervention and the conduct of a study on the real economic, social, and environmental impact of this tax.
Cause and Consequences
The Mayor of Nice is accused of selling this measure as an ecological action, while in reality, it is allegedly a “communication and clientelism move.”
As a consequence, individuals wishing to travel to the island from Nice or to the mainland from Corsica will have no choice but to fly or drive to Toulon, Marseille, or Savona to travel with their vehicle.
“Break with the Popular Nice”
Mr. Vardon reminds that Nice is not a principality and that there are no “local lords.” He accuses the president of the metropolis of having three drivers and not seeing the problem “in his bubble.”
François Filoni considers this decision “distressing, discriminatory and unacceptable”. Many Corsican families are mixed and take the ferry. “Continuity and equality for the 500,000 users must be maintained.” He appeals to the common sense of the elected officials.
The elected officials stated that Corsican identity and culture must be respected. “Republican values need to be defended.” Mr. Estrosi “blames the people of Nice, while the pollution is due to cargo ships and globalization, which is a political choice,” according to the RN regional councilor. He adds that the mayor is targeting families and modest people.
Ajaccio has long been linked to our city through its history. The RN elected officials do not wish for the break of secular and historical ties.
A Necessity for the Corsicans
The medical community is affected. Some Corsicans need to cross the Mediterranean for medical reasons, due to the lack of specialities and therapies.
Moreover, students will also be penalized, as they are already facing significant difficulties. Nathaly Antona reports that many Corsicans study in Nice.
Philipe Vardon informs us that if this tax is implemented, Corsica Ferries will not withstand the economic impact. The end of the maritime link would therefore be the objective.
Alternative Solutions
RN municipal councilors propose a complete exemption for Nice and Corsican residents and have outlined solutions to reduce pollution in Nice.
To reduce port pollution, it would be possible to relieve the cars, adjust the arrival time of the ships, or find structural solutions.
In order to counter the president of the metropolis, a citizen and political mobilization is planned on the island, as well as joint work with associations. Billboards will communicate on the subject.
The Corsican delegate requests reliable, non-polluting, and affordable boats. Alternative solutions could be found by conducting a study on the flow of embarkation and disembarkation. He sends a message of solidarity against this “punitive and unjust” economy.
To conclude, “maintaining the link and connection with Corsica means keeping the ships.”
