A new survey reported by Politico shows that Éric Ciotti of the Union of the Rights for the Republic (UDR) holds a significant lead in the first round of the forthcoming municipal elections in Nice, capturing 41% of voter intentions. This result places him ten points ahead of the incumbent mayor Christian Estrosi, who is currently supported by the Horizons party as well as The Republicans (LR). This shift indicates a serious challenge to Estrosi, who has been in power and part of the mainstream right landscape in France for years.

The political tension in Nice is heightened by the rivalry between Ciotti and Estrosi, who were once allied but have now become adversaries within the increasingly fragmented French right. Ciotti’s departure from Les Républicains to align with the National Rally (RN) signifies a strategic move towards a more nationalist and populist platform, reflecting broader trends in French politics. As the elections approach, the dynamics between these two figures will influence not only the local political landscape but also resonate with the national discourse surrounding right-wing politics in France.

Estrosi’s claims of manipulation suggest a deeper questioning of the polling process and potential attempts to undermine his credibility ahead of the elections. The outcome of this rivalry in Nice will carry implications for future political alignments, especially as municipal elections often serve as bellwethers for national trends. Observers will be closely watching how this conflict unfolds and what it could mean for the future of the French right amidst evolving voter sentiments.