The city of Nice is leaving the GIP after paying off its debts from the French Grand Prix
The French Grand Prix was missing this season in 2023, after its return in 2018 at the Paul Ricard Circuit in Le Castellet. On this occasion, a Public Interest Group was formed to organize and finance the event, with the city of Nice being a participant, which today announces that it has paid what it owed.
Last Thursday, the metropolitan council of Nice held a meeting regarding the former French Formula 1 Grand Prix. The council meeting was marked by the absence of four elected officials who did not participate in the debate or the vote on this deliberation. Among the absentees was Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice. He was also the one who, from the beginning, worked towards bringing back the French Grand Prix in 2018 by establishing this Public Interest Group to bring this race to life.
In December 2016, during the announcement of the project, Christian Estrosi estimated the budget for the return of the French Grand Prix at 30 million euros per year, with 14 million coming from local authorities and 16 million from direct revenue (ticket sales, merchandise, etc.). [Link to article: “Le Grand Prix de France 2018 au Paul Ricard est lancé !”]
Today, it is himself who wants to take his city out of the group, behind which he leaves a debt of over 32 million euros. He believes that the city has already repaid its debt, namely 5 million euros. Joseph Ségura, the mayor of Saint-Laurent-du-Var, was in charge of defending Christian Estrosi’s position on his behalf during the council. « It is necessary to leave, because this group no longer has a reason to exist ».
The amount paid by the city continues to cause upset on the political side, and especially among the opposition, who wonder why the Nice area had to pay for an event that took place more than two hours away from the city.
And as if that wasn’t enough, a preliminary investigation has been opened by the Marseille prosecutor’s office for favoritism, misappropriation of public funds, and concealing. This is why the metropolis of Nice wants to leave the GIP. But the dissolution is taking time to happen and the regional prefect is not acting on it because some members of the group do not want to settle the debt, resulting in a deadlock.
Sylvie Bonaldi, elected from the ranks of ecologists: « This is an attitude worthy of the captain of the Costa Concordia, who was the first to leave the ship ».
Juliette Chesnel-Leroux, EELV leader: « Nobody dares to take responsibility for this disaster. […] Only the justice system can tell us where this race will lead us ».
Christelle d’Intorni, elected member of Les Républicains: Thankfully, Formula One Management has put an end to recess, there should no longer be any extravagant trips costing 70,000 euros to Abu Dhabi or New Year’s Eve celebrations in Courchevel. At least that’s some savings for the taxpayer!
However, [Emmanuel Macron has entrusted Christian Estrosi with bringing back, once again, the French Grand Prix in the future.]
