The upcoming municipal elections in Nice, France, scheduled for , with a potential runoff on , are facing a backdrop of legal scrutiny. A preliminary investigation has been opened by the Nice prosecutor’s office concerning potential irregularities in mask procurement during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The investigation, prompted by reports in Le Canard Enchaîné, centers on allegations of favoritism and corruption related to orders for surgical masks placed in 2020. Investigators will examine whether proper procedures were followed in awarding contracts, specifically focusing on a potential conflict of interest involving a former chief of staff to current Mayor Christian Estrosi.
The Nice Metropolitan area, through its legal counsel, maintains that all acquisitions were conducted in accordance with applicable laws, specifically Article R. 2122-1 of the public procurement code. They cite the “imperative emergency” regime authorized by public authorities – including the Bercy Legal Affairs Department – which allowed for contracts to be awarded without traditional competitive bidding processes due to the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic. The community asserts it had no direct contractual relationship with the company in question.
This development arrives less than a month before the first round of voting, adding another layer of complexity to an already competitive election. Several candidates have declared their intention to run for mayor, including Christian Estrosi (Horizons-Les Républicains), Éric Ciotti (UDR-National Rally), Juliette Chesnel-Le Roux (Socialists, communists, Greens), Mireille Damiano (La France Insoumise, Viva), Nathalie Dloussky (EGF, sovereignist), Céline Forjonnel (Direct democracy), Hélène Granouillac (Independent ecologist), and Cedric Vella (Reconquest, far right).
The timing of the investigation is particularly noteworthy given the existing political tensions. Christian Estrosi, who has served as mayor since 2008 (with a brief interruption between 2016 and 2017 when he led the Regional Council of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur), is seeking a fourth non-consecutive term. He transitioned from The Republicans (LR) to Horizons (HOR) in 2021. His primary challenger, Éric Ciotti, formerly Estrosi’s deputy, left LR in 2024 and is now aligned with the National Rally (RN), supported by the Union of the Right for the Republic (UDR).
The electoral system in Nice utilizes a closed-list system. If no candidate or list secures an absolute majority (50% of the votes) in the first round, a second round will be held. Any list achieving at least 10% of the votes in the first round will be eligible to participate in the second round. Lists receiving over 5% of the votes can also merge with other qualifying lists. The winning list in the final round will receive half of the 69 seats on the Municipal Council, with the remaining seats allocated proportionally among lists exceeding the 5% threshold.
Beyond the legal issues and political maneuvering, recent polling data suggests that key concerns for Nice residents heading into the election include security and cleanliness. A recent Odoxa poll indicated that over half of French citizens (51%) prioritize security when choosing a mayor, a concern particularly pronounced among right-leaning voters (68.5%). Economic activity and employment follow as important issues (31%), with cleanliness and education receiving attention from approximately a quarter of respondents (24% and 22% respectively).
The focus on security aligns with broader national trends and underscores the importance of addressing public safety concerns in the campaign. While environmental issues and employment remain relevant, they appear to be secondary considerations for many voters in Nice. The interplay between these concerns, the ongoing legal investigation, and the established political dynamics will likely shape the outcome of the 2026 municipal elections.
The situation highlights the challenges facing local governments navigating the complexities of public procurement, particularly during times of crisis. The investigation’s findings will be closely watched, not only for their potential impact on the Nice mayoral race but also for the broader implications regarding transparency and accountability in public spending.
