During the ceremonial address to the constituted bodies, economic players, and associations, the Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Laurent Hottiaux, delivered his first address in the department. This speech, organized two months ahead of the municipal elections, set a political and administrative framework around four priorities presented as structuring for the year 2026.
The ceremonial address to the constituted bodies was held on Friday, January 16, 2026, in the presence of State representatives, local elected officials, economic players, the nonprofit sector, and institutions. Laurent Hottiaux, Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, addressed all these active forces in a solemn setting, rooted in the Republican tradition. This moment is a time for continuity but also for projection, following several months of meetings held across the territory.
At the start of the speech, the Prefect reminded everyone of the purpose of this ceremony and its place within the customs of the Republic. “This ceremony, simple and natural, partakes in the perpetuity of customs forged by the Republican tradition to which we are all deeply attached.” This reminder was followed by a reference to foundational values, presented as a common foundation in an unstable international context: “The Republic is a requirement of the spirit, a catalyst for active and stubborn struggle against threats and inertia, in service of France.”
The address then expanded into a broader perspective on the ongoing transformations. Technological changes, geopolitical tensions, and climate disruption were cited as factors of collective fragility. “The world is experiencing unprecedented upheavals and immense challenges.” Within this framework, the unity of institutions and territories was presented as a necessity, ahead of major electoral deadlines for the country and the department.
Security, climate, housing, and transport as guiding principles
The first priority mentioned concerned security, presented as the condition for all other public policies: “There is no freedom without security.” The speech emphasized the daily commitment of security and rescue forces, in a context marked by increased violence: “Our police officers, gendarmes, military personnel, as well as our customs officers, prison officers, and firefighters, are the last bulwark that protects us from chaos.” The fight against drug trafficking was cited as a central focus of this policy, with quantifiable results. “Our fight against drug trafficking has seen us achieve unprecedented victories, whether in terms of seizures, incarcerations, or fixed penalty offences.”
The climate issue was a significant part of the speech, with a reminder of recent events and their measurable consequences on the territory. “The Alpes-Maritimes experienced very concerning droughts in 2022 and 2023.” This assessment was further backed by referencing the most recent data. “Summer 2025 was the hottest ever recorded.” Projections towards 2050 were cited to underline the scale of the adaptations needing to be undertaken. “A decrease of about 30% in the low flow rates of the department’s watercourses is expected by 2050, for example.” In this context, territorial planning and water management were presented as structural levers, including in particular “conditioning new urbanization on the availability of water resources.”
The topic of housing was then addressed as a factor of social and economic fragility. “The housing situation is particularly strained.” The speech relied on INSEE data to illustrate this reality. “One in five residents of the department lives in overcrowded housing.” This situation was presented as a hindrance to the territory’s attractiveness and recruitment, both in the public and private sectors. A departmental plan was announced. “I am preparing a departmental housing recovery plan, which I will present in the coming weeks.”
Transport constituted the last major focus of the speech, with a reminder of ongoing projects and the State’s financial commitments. The development of metropolitan regional express services was presented as a scale shift. “Regarding the Azur SERM, a genuine supply shock is on the horizon in favor of public transportation and intermodality.” The State-region plan contract was cited as a central tool that will mobilize “1.8 billion euros, including 551.5 million euros from the State.”
In conclusion, the speech opened onto the upcoming deadlines, including the municipal elections, preparation for the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and remembrance duty for paying tribute to the victims of the Promenade des Anglais attack.
