Tensions Rise as Eric Ciotti Files Complaint Against Christian Estrosi Over Identity Theft
The president of the Republicans (LR), Eric Ciotti, has announced his intent to file a complaint against the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, for 'identity theft'. The allegations stem from claims that Estrosi used old LR lists to send out invitations for a European election meeting without authorization. This event marks yet another clash between these former political allies, now adversaries.
Ciotti, who is also a deputy for Alpes-Maritimes, criticized Estrosi for allegedly using outdated LR files to circulate invites for a campaign event featuring majority candidate Valérie Hayer. This meeting took place in Nice three days before the upcoming European election. The right-wing party branded this act as one 'constituting indisputable bad faith', further accusing Estrosi of attempting to affiliate LR with Hayer's candidature deceitfully.
Estrosi, who departed LR in 2021 to join the Horizons party, is accused of utilizing an old UMP email address tied to one of the Alpes-Maritimes constituencies. The former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and the president of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, Renaud Muselier, were reported to be present at the rally.
Christian Estrosi, who chaired the UMP federation which later became LR until 2018, was succeeded by his now-accuser, Eric Ciotti. Despite sharing photos of Hayer's meeting on social media, Estrosi has not officially responded to Ciotti's complaint or addressed the accusations.
- The tension between Ciotti and Estrosi signifies deeper rifts within the right-wing factions of French politics. This discord occurs as voters prepare to head to the polls, increasing the stakes for all parties involved. Eric Ciotti's insistence on legal action highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the potential ramifications for political maneuvering in the region.
- As the European elections draw closer, the Republicans, with François-Xavier Bellamy leading their list, are campaigning rigorously alongside their adversaries. The outcome of Sunday’s elections will likely influence the political landscape, especially in the Alpes-Maritimes where the stakes have been intensified by this recent controversy.
