CGT actions cause political rift

500 CGT union members staged a protest at their former trade union offices, the Aigle d'Or. Copyright: The Riviera Times

In 2009, it was decided that the local trade union offices of the CGT in the Vieux Nice square of Place Saint François would undergo urgent repairs. However, the work was never completed and on 3rd May, Estrosi announced that the CGT would not be moving back into the building but that a new museum would be installed in the iconic establishment instead.

At the scene, CGT members' banners clearly showed their indignation at being ousted. "I am sorry that some people feel that they have more of a right to this place than others while it is a part of the heritage of every Niçois person," Estrosi announced on Monday.

Trouble has been brewing since the union signed a contract with the Ville de Nice back in early 2009, but tensions have now risen to boiling point with the 500-strong protestors feeling that they have been deceived.

Nice's main Socialist politician Allemand has come out in support of the CGT, claiming that, "Once again the Mayor of Nice has broken his word. This is causing a rift between the people and their leaders."

Allemand riled his UMP rival further, adding, "This behaviour... has lead to a lack of confidence with has been highlighted by the astounding abstention rate in the Alpes Maritimes."

Defending his position on the controversial decision, Estrosi insisted that turning the Aigle d'Or into a museum rather than renovating it back into offices would "improve the heritage of the city of Nice".

"I tried to speak with the union leaders," said Estrosi, "but they slammed the door in my face."

Elsa Carpenter