The traditional ‘Lou Festin Nissart’ of Christian Estrosi attracted more than 6,000 people to Albert 1er Garden this Friday, September 6. The mayor of Nice announced new changes and expressed his support for Michel Barnier, the new Prime Minister.
Having become a real ritual for the “friends of the mayor”, this eleventh edition of the Lou Festin Nissart took place in a warm and festive atmosphere. On the program: political speeches, local specialties, and champagne in abundance for everyone.
Dressed elegantly for the occasion, the thousands of supporters of Christian Estrosi were seated at assigned tables, eager to see him. The star of the event was delayed, making his entrance an hour later than expected. Accompanied by his wife, Laura Tenoudji-Estrosi, and Renaud Muselier, president of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regional council and a long-time friend, Christian Estrosi took his time to reach the stage. He greeted the audience to the rhythm of lively music and took numerous selfies, even if it meant delaying the start of the speeches.
Tributes and Congratulations
Renaud Muselier kicked off the speeches at the podium. As a loyal friend and collaborator of Christian Estrosi, he highlighted the impressive evolution of the city of Nice and the work accomplished by the mayor over the past sixteen years.
“Dear Niçois, you are very lucky to live in the most beautiful region of Europe, but especially to live in Nice, which is exceptional. I am Marseillais and I think that if we had a mayor like you (Christian Estrosi, ed.), we would have far fewer problems. Dear Niçois, you can be proud of yourselves because the evolution of Nice is fantastic”
The Major Highlights of Christian Estrosi’s Return
The Horizons mayor now takes the floor. The Niçois leader immediately addresses education. Aware of the financial challenges faced by families, particularly the high cost of the school year, the mayor expresses his determination to intervene significantly to ease this burden. “When I see that the start of the school year is so expensive for families, I tell myself that we cannot sit idly by. Especially not in this period of loss of purchasing power.” Starting from the 2025 school year, Christian Estrosi plans to “truly support families.”
Firmness and Rigor Against Delinquency
The mayor of Nice then addresses, in a firm and resolute tone, the removal of benefits for anyone convicted of drug trafficking. Christian Estrosi asserts his rejection of any laxity or leniency, advocating for a France where firmness and rigor are essential against delinquency.
“In my France, when you are convicted for drug trafficking, well social housing is over. We expel you. In my France, when you are convicted for drug trafficking, well the benefits are also over.”
The mayor also indicated that he has developed a convention between the CAF, the community, and the state services “so that any dealer, any lookout, any convicted trafficker no longer receives benefits.” An announcement that garnered applause from the audience. For him, there is “no national solidarity for the enemies of the Republic.”
“Let’s Give Michel Barnier a Chance”
Following the announcement of Michel Barnier’s appointment as Prime Minister, Christian Estrosi did not miss the opportunity to express his support for the new officeholder. He said he was “reassured,” emphasizing the fact that Michel Barnier is “from the same political movement as mine, Gaullism.” “He is an experienced man. I know him well and respect him,” he asserted. The mayor concluded by calling on people to “give him a chance”, stating that “giving him a chance is giving France a chance.”
As a reminder, last April, Christian Estrosi announced his candidacy for a fourth term as the head of the city of Nice in 2026.