Théoule-sur-Mer’s incumbent mayor, Georges Botella, formally launched his campaign for a third term on Monday, positioning his team as a force for continuity and local engagement. The announcement took place on the beach at Figueirette, a location Botella highlighted as emblematic of the town’s maritime identity.
Botella’s campaign team has been significantly refreshed, with 60% new members, according to the mayor. He described the new recruits as “dynamic,” representing all neighborhoods of Théoule, and motivated by a commitment to the village rather than partisan politics. “These are people who think positively, not complainers!” Botella stated.
Key figures remaining from Botella’s previous administration include Thierry Saes, the deputy mayor responsible for security; Renée Blardone, who established the municipal mutual insurance fund; and Laura Delporte, described as the town’s advocate for commerce and artisan businesses. Florence Chabanis, a former opposition council member who served on Emmanuelle Cennamo’s list in 2020, is likewise supporting Botella’s re-election bid, stating he is “the man for the situation.”
New additions to the team include René Baldaccini, grandson of artist César and president of the media group Radio (which includes Sud Radio, Radio Sud, and RTL2); Nicolas Varenne, a landscape gardener aiming to secure a “third flower” in the town’s floral display rating; and Eric Levêque, an event management professional and retired public servant who also volunteers with the SNSM (National Society for Sea Rescue). The list also includes Nathalie Bleno, a graphic designer; Coralie Bernard, a yoga instructor; Géraldine Grammard, an estate agent; and Sandra Learissi, a local interior decorator.
Representing a younger demographic, Jordan Garro and Matys Cavalli, both 22 and employed in the restaurant industry, complete the team. Botella’s stated goal is to maintain Théoule as a vibrant year-round community.
The launch comes amidst a challenge from two other candidates: Emmanuel Blanc, running on a platform of “Théoule First,” and Sophie Rohfristch, leading a campaign under the banner “A New Direction for Théoule.” Blanc, currently Botella’s first deputy, has been publicly critical of the mayor’s governance, describing it as “brouillonne, solitaire et autoritaire” (rough, solitary and authoritarian), according to reporting from Nice-Matin in November 2025.
Botella dismissed Blanc’s criticisms, characterizing the departure of two former council members to Blanc’s list as insignificant. “These two didn’t get along with the team, I preferred to rejuvenate,” he said.
Key projects for a potential third term include the completion of the Portes de l’Estérel development – encompassing parking, a technical center, and a marine park house – and a reorganization of the town center. This will involve relocating the CCAS (social services center) to the former post office, moving the municipal police, and establishing a community association center.
Plans for the Îlot Delhaye site have shifted away from residential development. Instead, the existing cultural center will be renovated, and a multi-sports hall will be constructed above it, alongside a new outdoor sports area above the existing leisure center. The revitalization of the area will also include a new parking facility, a regional health center, and new commercial spaces.
The inauguration of the new Capitainerie & Maison du Parc Maritime Départemental Estérel-Théoule at the port of Figueirette took place on July 28, 2025, with Botella in attendance, highlighting the ongoing investment in the town’s maritime infrastructure.
