Overview
- Rivère withdrew from Éric Ciotti’s 2026 Nice municipal list after his December return to OGC Nice revived conflict-of-interest concerns.
- Ciotti’s campaign said he will co-chair the support committee and could be named special adviser if Ciotti is elected.
- Allies of incumbent mayor Christian Estrosi said they asked the Alpes-Maritimes prefect to examine Rivère’s eligibility.
- France’s electoral code restricts candidacies by private actors whose businesses provide regular services to a commune unless they left such roles more than six months before the vote.
- Ciotti’s team described the move as a responsible decision and dismissed the controversy as an artificial distraction pushed by opponents.