The chips, wine, and appetizers continuously appearing on the tables at Patrick Allemand’s headquarters seem to predict a smooth night for the left. The initial results confirm the good atmosphere among the activists. Claude Giauffret, 31st on the “Change the Era” list, remains very pragmatic: “I am waiting for the results in Nice. I’m very happy at the national level, but nothing is settled here.”
From the side of Frédéric Bachelier, federal coordinator of the Young Socialists Movement 06, he is not getting carried away: “I’m a bit stressed but confident. We have to be. If there is a victory, everything will burst forth at once, and I will be happier for the people of Nice than for us because they are what matters. If it doesn’t go through, it will be a great disappointment.”
At 8:35 PM, the first results reach Patrick Allemand through two operators who are responding to the many activists stationed in the voting offices in Nice. The regional vice-president is pleased; his scores seem good. He even assures his close ones that he should only lose “by less than 3,000 votes, presumably.” But the mood quickly sours at the headquarters. France 3 broadcasts its first estimates: 42% for Estrosi, 34% for Allemand, and 23% for Peyrat. Even though the room doesn’t really react, the socialist candidate thinks he will be “a bit above what is indicated.”
The activists continue to enter and exit the PS local with results from their stations. Some have cheerful expressions, others are sadder. At 9:20 PM, Patrick Allemand gives his first reaction: “I am defeated but not downtrodden. I wish the new mayor success in his responsibility. We will organize starting tomorrow and build for the future. We do not want to abandon the Niçois who have supported us because they are fundamental in this building effort. As for Patrick Mottard, it’s over. He is the gravedigger of the left.”
Half an hour later, applause accompanies the announcement by the left’s leader of Marc Concas’s victory in the first canton against Eric Ciotti.
Eventually, the headquarters gradually empties. The militants look somewhat defeated but are ready to fight in the upcoming elections. The battle is just beginning for the socialists to change the era.
