Former mayor of Nice Jacques Peyrat, who a few weeks ago announced his return to active political life as a candidate for the cantonal elections in the 14th district (Nice West-Moulins), has found a significant ally in the identitarian movement Nissa Rebela, with whom he has sealed a pact of “mutual support,” as described in the agreement signed between the two political movements.
Under this pact, Jacques Peyrat will be supported by Nissa Rebela in his fight to win the seat of general councillor, while in turn he will support Philippe Vardon, spokesman for Nissa Rebela, who will be a candidate in the 3rd district; both movements will refrain from presenting candidates in the same district.
However, this alliance goes beyond the cantonal elections and is intended to be long-lasting, particularly in view of the future municipal elections. With a common aim, which is to oppose the Estrosi “system,” deemed “catastrophic” for Nice by both leaders. “This agreement is intended to lay the foundation for joint work aimed at extending into the 2014 municipal elections. The gathering initiated today is obviously intended to expand to ultimately establish a Nice platform of understanding, offering a genuine alternative to the current municipal policy.”
During the press conference for the agreement signing, Jacques Peyrat and Philippe Vardon, of course, added a few comments:
Jacques Peyrat: “My commitment comes from the observation that Nice is returning to the same situation as during my election as mayor in 1995. Finances are out of control and projects are accumulating without regular follow-up. Mr. Estrosi considers the City of Nice as a stepping stone for his national career.
I have the responsibility to sound the alarm before the situation deteriorates irreparably, and I have chosen this district, which I know well from having been elected there for the first time in 1992 against the candidate who had the support of all the powerful, both nationally and locally, at the time, Madame Murcia, because I believe the future of Nice will be shaped here, in this territory where the administrative control bodies are gathered, the Plaine du Var where the National Interest Operation, for which I claimed responsibility during the Raffarin Government era, will take place, a district considered ‘sensitive,’ the Moulins, the second airport in France and the future multimodal station. It is no coincidence that Mr. Estrosi has designated Mrs. Estrosi-Sassone as a candidate. He is well aware of the strategic and vital positioning of this territory for Nice’s development toward a future regional capital. I have high hopes for the success of my candidacy, even if this electoral law, which I consider unfair, was designed to manipulate the will of the voters and favor the major parties, making three-way races almost impossible.
But if I were not to be present in the second round, under no circumstances could I support the UMP candidate.”
Philippe Vardon: “Our choice to rally with Jacques Peyrat has a dual value. The recognition of his work during his two terms as mayor of Nice and our shared view on the catastrophic situation of the current municipal management. We are a popular force, and we express the rejection of this communication-centric policy. There is no social sensitivity or listening to the population.
Nissa Rebela and the Republican Agreement are two ‘Niçoise’ political movements, far from the balances and alchemies of the national political parties, which are more attentive to what happens in Paris than here.
We are forming an alliance that is neither circumstantial nor ideological but responds to a common view and objective. We say ‘stop’ to political politicking and yes to territorial management.
As for my candidacy in the 3rd district, I believe it is legitimate, especially since the municipal majority will be represented by a fleeting figure. I have many more points of contact with Jacques Victor, the outgoing communist councillor, with whom we fight for common causes (Costanzo Center, terminus of tram line 2). I know I am the outsider in this competition, and I believe I am in a position to reach the second round. After that, all hopes will be possible for me.”
