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Nice mayoral rivals battle for high-profile endorsements

Christian Estrosi and Éric Ciotti are unveiling prominent supporters as the battle for Nice’s 2026 municipal elections heats up.

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Nice, France. 06th Feb, 2026. Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice and candidate for re-election. Photo by Shootpix/ABACAPRESS.COM Credit: Abaca Press/Alamy Live News
Nice, France. 06th Feb, 2026. Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice and candidate for re-election. Photo by Shootpix/ABACAPRESS.COM Credit: Abaca Press/Alamy Live News. Picture: Alamy

By Camille Bidard

Rival candidates Christian Estrosi and Éric Ciotti are vying for prominent backers as campaigning intensifies ahead of Nice’s 2026 municipal elections.

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Both camps have unveiled a string of high-profile supporters in recent days, including former TV presenter Denise Fabre and sports journalist Gérald Holtz for incumbent mayor Estrosi.

Ciotti has secured the backing of centrist environmentalist Jean-Marc Governatori and Franck Terrier, known locally for confronting the 2016 Nice attacker.

The contest has also seen defections between the two camps, underlining growing tensions in what is shaping up to be a closely fought race.

Candidate lists can be formally submitted until 26 February.