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Aulas and Sarselli Seal Metropole Deal in Lyon, Positioning LR Mayor to Lead Grand Lyon

The pact seeks control of the powerful Grand Lyon to unlock policies such as free public transport.

Jean-Michel Aulas à Lyon le 25 novembre 2025

Overview

  • The center-right agreement designates Véronique Sarselli as prospective president of the Grand Lyon, with Jean‑Michel Aulas set to join the metropolitan executive if they win in March 2026.
  • Both camps agreed on 14 joint lists under the "Grand Cœur Lyonnais" banner and committed to parity for heads of lists across all metropolitan constituencies.
  • The partners adopted a "democratic clarity" rule rejecting any alliance with the extremes, including no pact with the RN in either round.
  • Aulas remains the frontrunner for Lyon mayor, with polling at 47% versus 27% for incumbent Grégory Doucet, and he has declined an early debate until after official list filings.
  • Control of the métropole carries major powers over transport, economic development and social policy and a near €4 billion budget, and incumbent Bruno Bernard has not yet formally declared his candidacy.