Alpes-Maritimes Political Realignments Shake Up 2026 Municipal Race

In a striking example of shifting local political alliances ahead of the 2026 municipal elections, Benjamin Millo, a former parliamentary aide to Éric Ciotti, has announced his departure from Ciotti's camp to join Christian Estrosi. The 27-year-old Millo, who had been closely aligned with Ciotti since he was 21, cited Ciotti’s decision as president of Les Républicains to ally with the far-right National Rally (RN) as the key reason for his political break. Millo revealed his shift during an interview on ICI Azur, highlighting his disapproval of and attempts to dissuade Ciotti from pursuing the controversial RN alliance, which ultimately failed to change Ciotti’s stance.

This development underscores a broader pattern of political volatility in the Alpes-Maritimes region, where party affiliation changes and perceived betrayals have become common as local politicians recalibrate their positions. Other notable figures, including Gaël Nofri and Olivier Bettati, have also switched allegiances, emphasizing the traditional fluidity in this political landscape.

Millo’s move to Estrosi’s side not only strengthens the latter’s coalition for the upcoming elections but also highlights tensions within LR itself as it grapples with its strategy vis-à-vis the RN. The Alpes-Maritimes political arena thus remains highly dynamic, shaped by personal convictions and pragmatic calculations ahead of voters’ decisions.

These shifts exemplify the challenges and realignments characterizing the municipal elections, reflecting broader national debates about alliances and identity within traditional center-right politics in France.