Nice Mayoral Race Escalates as Candidates Trade Accusations and Defamation Threats
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A deepening rift between political rivals in Nice,France,has led to a formal complaint of defamation,further complicating the lead-up to the municipal election next March. The escalating tensions stem from accusations leveled during the campaign, specifically concerning the administrative closure of a local establishment.
Campaign Aperitif Sparks Controversy
The latest dispute centers around a planned campaign event at the “Chez Domi” bar-restaurant. Éric Ciotti, a deputy representing the UDR party, publicly alleged that Christian Estrosi, the current mayor of Nice, orchestrated the establishment’s closure. Ciotti reportedly made the accusation during a public meeting last week, stating, “There are a lot of businesses that we are not closing and that we would like to see closed. And this one, as luck would have it, closed when we were supposed to hold a meeting there.” He further suggested the closure was not related to health concerns, implying political interference by “friends opposite” willing to “use all methods.”
The remarks, captured on video and brought to the attention of Christian Estrosi, prompted an immediate response. The candidate for re-election announced his intention to file a complaint against Ciotti for defamation. this legal challenge underscores the increasingly acrimonious nature of the campaign.
Estrosi Announces Legal Action
Estrosi’s complaint centers on Ciotti’s implication that the closure of Chez Domi was politically motivated. Estrosi maintains the closure was a direct result of significant health and safety violations, and Ciotti’s claims are demonstrably false and damaging to his reputation. The legal action seeks to hold Ciotti accountable for what Estrosi’s team describes as a deliberate attempt to mislead voters.
Hygiene Violations Cited in Closure
Official reports from the shared control unit of the city of Nice, dated November 13th, confirm Estrosi’s account. The report details 41 breaches of hygiene rules at “Chez Domi,” leading to its administrative closure “until it was brought into compliance.” Photographic evidence accompanied the report, documenting issues ranging from pest infestations to improper food storage. The city asserts the closure was a standard procedure following a routine inspection and was unrelated to any political considerations.
the incident began with a planned campaign event at chez Domi. Éric Ciotti publicly accused Christian Estrosi of orchestrating the bar-restaurant’s closure to prevent the event from taking place. Estrosi responded by filing a defamation complaint against Ciotti. the city of Nice subsequently released a report detailing 41 hygiene violations at Chez Domi, substantiating the official reason for the closure. As of today, the defamation case is ongoing, and the future of Chez Domi remains uncertain pending compliance with health regulations.
