Frédéric Michel / Photo credit: Bertrand GUAY / AFP
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8:43 a.m., April 13, 2023
According to Christian Estrosi, the state does not mobilize the necessary forces to fight against drug trafficking in his city. The criticisms of the mayor of Nice, support of Emmanuel Macron, with regard to the government are rare and intervene in a context of fratricidal struggle with Éric Ciotti, leader of the LR.
During an interview at Figaro, published this Wednesday, the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi declared that the State does not mobilize the necessary forces in the fight against drug trafficking in his city. Disagreements between the mayor of Nice and the government are quite rare.
These acerbic words from Christian Estrosi come in a context of fratricidal struggle with Éric Ciotti, his former friend and perhaps future opponent in the next municipal elections. Éric Ciotti, head of LR, is courted by Gérald Darmanin and Elisabeth Borne. The Prime Minister would like to obtain the support of the boss of the Republicans in order to widen her majority.
60 additional police officers assigned to Nice
For the mayor of Nice, who is rarely critical of the governments of Emmanuel Macron, this rapprochement between the government and Éric Ciotti is an affront. Like Éric Ciotti, he is asking for more resources. The prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes had also reaffirmed at the time the total commitment of the State in the fight against drug trafficking. “Yes, we don’t let it happen. We need more surveillance cameras. Yes, we need drones. We could have better results”, declares Bernard Gonzalez, prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes.
In five years, 60 additional police officers have been assigned to Nice. Ten more are due to arrive in early May, an increase in staff of just over 10%. But this percentage does not take into account the many mutations. The department also obtained the permanent establishment of a CRS company.