Cazeneuve's office categorically denied Sunday that he had sent a representative to the local Nice police, "contrary to what Madame Bertin claims". And Nice MP Eric Ciotti, an Estrosi ally from the same opposition Republicans party, said the policewoman's testimony was "another element which shows that something is not transparent". He later told France 2 television that he would counter "a villainous campaign" of lies against him from opposition politicians in Nice "blow for blow". Cazeneuve called the claims "undignified" and pointed the finger at Estrosi, hinting that he had orchestrated "daily attacks" on him even though he was also partly responsible for security in Nice. The interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve -- whose account of police deployments on the night of July 14 celebrations has already faced questions -- has been the lightning rod for criticism over alleged security failures.

Source: The Local July 24, 2016 21:33 UTC