"I expect to be surprised by innovative ideas": Mougins' first deputy mayor and candidate for the next municipal elections, Christophe Ulivieri, meets residents

A candidate in the upcoming municipal elections in Mougins following the announcement by the current mayor, Richard Galy, that he would not seek a fifth consecutive term, First Deputy Mayor Christophe Ulivieri is making no secret of his position.

Ambitious, he admits to already being in a form of electoral campaign since he invites his fellow citizens this Saturday morning (between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.) to come and meet him in order to contribute, alongside him, to the development of his program.

Are you already in the countryside?

Oh yes! The mayor, Richard Galy, announced that he would not be running again. I agreed to take over. I decided to do things in a form of continuity, but differently. I want to build a project that unites the aspirations of the people of Mougins, and that's why I'm organizing this big meeting on Saturday.

As First Deputy, you meet with the public all year round. What's new?

Throughout the year, people most often come to me to discuss personal concerns. There, I ask them about their vision of the community, regarding youth, culture, how to age well, sports, security, etc.

And ecology?

It is planned, it is part of the quality of life framework, which includes an environmental component, protection of green spaces, etc.

Will your project not, whatever happens, be in line with the mandates of Mayor Richard Galy?

I'm not at odds with the mayor. Let's just say it'll be about continuity through change. It's essential to be in line with what the people of Mougins want.

Isn't that the case today?

It is, but we also can't deny that in recent years, fewer and fewer people have been voting and getting involved. I want a broad vote, for people to express themselves. For that to happen, our ideas must match their expectations. I fully accept the results of the last twenty-five years, during which I supported the outgoing mayor.

The UDR (Union of the Right) and the RN want to nominate a candidate. Does this scare you?

Rather, it's they who are destabilized. I announced this big meeting a while ago. I don't comment on the actions or wishes of others. What interests me are the people of Mougins. I'm only saying one thing: it cannot be denied that the UDR-RN association is far-right.

You don't comment but stay attentive...

I'm moving forward based solely on my schedule. Since Richard Galy's announcement, I've received a lot of support.

Wasn't this announcement, in mid-April, too early?

On the contrary, we don't treat the Mougins residents like fools at the last minute. We take the time to build our relationship, to communicate, to create a sense of closeness.

What do you hope to learn from Saturday's meeting and what message do you hope to convey?

The message will be that they have the floor. It won't be me who holds a political rally, but they who will share their ideas: I expect to be surprised by innovative ideas.

Will you repeat the experience?

In the fall, most likely, in a different format. At the heart of the hearts of life so that people can come to meet me on foot and reach other people.