"If we get support, we'll start again in 2026 because we have to finish our projects": interview with the mayor of Théoule-sur-Mer, Georges Botella

As happy as a fish in water and as joyful as a squirrel in the forest. This is how one could sum up the mood of Georges Botella, mayor of a town nestled against the magnificent Estérel massif, with his gaze fixed on the Mediterranean. Since his accession in 2014, the mayor has constantly sought to preserve and enhance these two natural assets, while also hoping to revitalize the village so that it retains its vitality. Between greenery and the sea, the centrist doctor is already ready for a new campaign in Théoule.

Théoule has been awarded the "Territory Committed to the Mediterranean" label, and you have reintroduced sea urchins. Should fishing for them be banned?

There are fewer and fewer sea urchins, and therefore more poaching and illegal sales. With the University of Corte, Sophia-Antipolis, and Stella Mare, we have taken genetic samples of sea urchins. Fifty thousand of them were raised in Corsica and reintroduced to our coast. In consultation with the fishermen's labor court, we are calling for a prefectural decree that will prohibit their harvest for three years, as was done around Cap Roux. It's a win-win for biodiversity and local artisanal fishing.

Same for jet skis?

Some practices are no longer in line with respect for the environment and others. Jet skis disturb marine wildlife, pollute, and make noise, so we want to ban them from our marine park. But the idea isn't to create sanctuaries either. Preservation isn't about putting things under wraps. It's also about explaining and raising awareness, as we do in schools, to encourage virtuous behavior.

No Canua Island, doesn't that upset you?

For me, it was an aberration. In the 21st century, it no longer makes sense to open a restaurant-nightclub on the sea, with its noise and light pollution, and the economic model was hardly viable. And it created unfair competition with our beaches under Public Service Delegation (DSP). By fighting this project, we also worked to ensure it wouldn't happen again elsewhere, in Saint-Tropez or on other shores.

The management of the port of La Rague is assigned exclusively to Mandelieu, a shortcoming?

We appealed this decision of the administrative court. Because La Rague represents a third of our port territory, and the pro rata loss of revenue is approximately 150,000 euros. Things had been going very well since 1984, but the termination of the Ari Boom concession and the changes in the law are detrimental to us. We want to see the return of co-management via a trustee, even though Mandelieu, which has the territorial majority, is chairing it. The important thing is that we be involved in decisions regarding this port, which is part of our territory.

The Figueirette, a consolation?

It's a port undergoing a complete revival, with the development of the new harbor master's office and the Marine Park House, the new restaurant, and a country bistro on the former harbor master's office. There will also be between 60 and 70 parking spaces and shops at the entrance. It will be a year-round living space, similar to the beaches in the DSP (Project Development Plan). The winning architect will be appointed this summer, with construction starting in September.

The major project is the Portes de l'Estérel, which some are pointing to as a result of the inflation in costs?

The estimated cost is €13 million, compared to €8 million four years ago. But we were slowed down by administrative red tape, and first we had to build a €2 million retention basin in the valley, which protects the entire village in the event of major flooding. We already have €1 million in subsidies, but the project is being broken down into tranches, and we'll get more as we complete the work. Ultimately, we hope to reach 40% of the subsidies, but we'll do it anyway.

Your municipal councilor Sophie Rohfritsch had this lapidary formula: "It's no longer a parking lot, it's Versailles!" ...

It's probably because she lives in Paris. Everyone has their own reference. In Théoule, it's the Grand Site de l'Estérel, not Versailles. The Portes de l'Estérel isn't just a two-story parking lot with around a hundred car and bike spaces; it's also the Municipal Technical Center and an educational exhibition space with the Maison de l'Estérel. It's a showcase that also reflects the identity of our village.

"Théoule must remain an exemplary village," you said in your New Year's address to the population. 2026 campaign slogan?

Ah, it's all based on our teamwork. If we get support, we'll start again in 2026 because we have to finish our projects. We're on a good run, with an interesting group. There will probably be changes to the roster, but I won't be going it alone.

With what label?

Personally, I've always been a centrist, so today I'm a Renaissance member out of sensitivity, not political strategy. I'm more of a unifier, not an extremist, which may have worked against me in this department. But as mayor, I'll run independently with a plural list, because I already work with elected officials from all sides and I believe that all good ideas are up for grabs. It won't be a political list, but a village list for the general interest.

However, within your council, some are already showing themselves to be critical and denouncing autocratic management?

We constitute a majority group where ten or eleven people (Editor's note: out of a total of fifteen elected officials) work seriously, meet. We meet regularly to define our major orientations on security, social affairs, culture, commerce, beaches... Then there are other elected officials that we never see except to throw out little phrases in the municipal council... It's up to each of us to design their role, but if it's to criticize without moving forward, it's not interesting. In reality, there are only two who complain... (Editor's note: allusion to Sophie Rohfritsch and Emmanuel Blanc).