Jean-Michel Aulas’ Lyon Municipal List: Promises & Political Alliances

Lyon is bracing for a potentially seismic shift in its municipal leadership, as Jean-Michel Aulas, a prominent figure best known for his long tenure as president of Olympique Lyonnais football club, has unveiled his list of candidates for the 2026 mayoral election. Aulas, widely considered the frontrunner, is aiming to unseat current mayor Grégory Doucet.

Aulas had consistently pledged to prioritize civic engagement in his campaign, stating his intention to include a significant number of individuals from outside traditional political circles on his electoral list. He initially suggested that up to 50% of his candidates would represent civil society, a promise that raised concerns among some incumbent elected officials about their chances of retaining their positions.

While the heads of his lists in Lyon’s arrondissements and constituencies largely consist of experienced politicians, Aulas appears to be delivering on his broader commitment. His list of 72 candidates for the central municipal council, along with the 221 candidates running in the arrondissements, includes a substantial number of newcomers to the political arena. However, strategic alliances with the centrist bloc supporting President Macron and the center-right Les Républicains party have reportedly led to concessions, with those parties securing prominent positions on the list.

Of the first 15 names on Aulas’s list, six individuals have no prior experience in elected office. Several current council members have been excluded from the list, signaling a clear break with the past. Those not seeking re-election include Pascal Blache, Françoise Blanc, Denis Broliquier, Jean-Dominique Durand, Jean-Michel Duvernois, Ludovic Hernandez, and Florence Verney-Carron.

The first few names on Aulas’s list reveal a diverse mix of backgrounds and political affiliations. Leading the charge is, of course, Jean-Michel Aulas himself. He is followed by Laure Cédat, a candidate in the 1st arrondissement, and Charles-Franck Lévy, a current council member. Charlotte Hoffmann, a territorial delegate for the MoDem party, and Alain Giordano, a former Green party mayor of the 9th arrondissement, also feature prominently. Béatrice de Montille, a candidate in the 3rd arrondissement, and Franck Pelissier, the former medical director of Olympique Lyonnais, round out the top seven.

Further down the list, Sarah Peillon represents Renaissance Lyon, while Pierre Oliver, the current LR mayor of the 2nd arrondissement, also secures a high-ranking position. Laurence Balas, a former LR council member, and Loïc Terrenes, a candidate in the 4th arrondissement, also appear within the top 20. Emmanuel Hamelin, a former deputy and departmental representative for Horizons, and Anne Delaigle, president of a local business association, also feature.

The list also includes Yann Cucherat, a former sports deputy under Gérard Collomb, Emilie Desrieux, a candidate in the 7th arrondissement, and Romain Billard, a current council member. Other notable names include Thomas Rudigoz, a former deputy and candidate in the 5th arrondissement, Samuel Soulier, a candidate in the 6th arrondissement, and Emmanuel Imberton, a former president of the local Chamber of Commerce.

Beyond the established political figures, Aulas’s list incorporates individuals from various sectors, including chefs – Grégory Cuilleron is listed at number 55 – and business leaders. The inclusion of these individuals underscores Aulas’s stated commitment to bringing fresh perspectives and real-world experience to the Lyon city council. The composition of the list suggests a deliberate attempt to broaden the appeal of his candidacy and present a diverse team capable of addressing the challenges facing the city.

As the municipal elections draw closer, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the specific policy proposals of each candidate. However, the composition of Jean-Michel Aulas’s list provides a clear indication of his strategy: to challenge the status quo, embrace a wider range of voices, and position himself as a dynamic and forward-looking leader for Lyon.