Roquebrune-Cap-Martin: the shadow of doubt hangs over the Cesari majority

Barely re-elected for a new term, the right-wing mayor of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Patrick Cesari, sees his majority overtaken by a series of challenges that are already weakening the legitimacy of his municipal team.

The Nice public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into alleged violations of electoral rules concerning the voter registration of Dominique Nicolaï, the first deputy mayor. This procedure was initiated following a report filed with the public prosecutor by Patrick Launois, an elected official from the opposition group Cap Rocabruna.

According to the opposition member, Dominique Nicolaï still resides in Menton, where he held a municipal mandate between 2020 and 2026. He also questions the alleged use of the first deputy's professional address during his electoral registration in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

Dominique Nicolaï firmly denies any irregularity. He maintains that he followed the recommendations of the municipal services and claims to have been renting an apartment in the town since June 2025, a condition which, if established, could justify his registration on the electoral lists.

But beyond the case of the first deputy mayor alone, this affair is fueling a climate of suspicion already exacerbated by the appeal filed with the administrative court by Sameh Hassan, a former candidate in the municipal elections. He denounces several irregularities that, according to him, could have compromised the integrity of the vote: obstructed election posters, incomplete distribution of campaign literature, incidents involving a municipal police officer, and what he considers to be attempts at intimidation.

Sameh Hassan's lawyer even alleges "irregularities" that could be described as "maneuvers." These are serious accusations that will now have to be examined by the administrative courts. In light of these revelations, the role played by the opposition appears crucial. By taking legal action and demanding verification, Patrick Launois and Sameh Hassan are reminding everyone that in a local democracy, electoral transparency cannot tolerate any compromise.

The investigation entrusted to the Interdepartmental Service of the Judicial Police in Nice will now have to determine whether Dominique Nicolaï's registration complied with the provisions of the Electoral Code. Pending the judicial conclusions, one thing remains certain: in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the 2026 municipal election will continue to be a hot topic.

In accordance with the principle of presumption of innocence, Dominique Nicolaï contests all the accusations made against him and no offense has been established at this stage.