The upcoming municipal elections in Nice are set to feature a significant showdown between two influential figures on the right: incumbent mayor Christian Estrosi and deputy Éric Ciotti. Polling data from a survey conducted by Elabe-Berger Levrault for BFM, Le Figaro, and Nice-Matin indicates that Ciotti, backed by the National Rally (RN), has the potential to unseat Estrosi, who has held the mayoral office since 2008. The political atmosphere is tense as both candidates prepare for this critical electoral battle that will shape the future of Nice.

A recent encounter on a flight from Paris to Nice brought the two rivals face-to-face, emphasizing their complicated relationship. Although they once shared a close bond, the competitive nature of politics has created a rift between them. During the flight, neither Ciotti nor Estrosi spoke to each other, opting instead for silence, a momentary respite before their impending electoral clash. This incident highlights the personal dimensions of their rivalry, which is emblematic of broader ideological divides within the French right.

As the elections approach, the stakes are high for both candidates. Estrosi's long-standing tenure as mayor faces a significant challenge, and Ciotti's alliance with the RN could play a critical role in mobilizing support. The outcome of this election could set a precedent for future political alliances in the region and may have implications for national politics as well, given the increasing influence of the far-right in France. The dynamics of their rivalry reflect not only personal animosities but also the shifting allegiances and strategies within French politics.