(Lyon, 2026-01-17) — Anaïs Belouassa Cherifi, head of the rebellious list in Lyon, is campaigning on a platform of radical local policies aimed at addressing social and economic inequality, with plans to prioritize housing and food security if elected.
Belouassa Cherifi is running on a platform that includes requisitioning vacant housing and providing free meals in schools.
- Anaïs Belouassa Cherifi is leading a campaign focused on addressing social crisis and poverty in Lyon.
- Key proposals include requisitioning vacant housing and providing free school meals.
- The campaign emphasizes a program developed through public surveys and engagement with local associations.
Campaign Focus: A “Citizen Revolution” at the Local Level
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Belouassa Cherifi asserts that the local level is the “first level of the citizen revolution,” particularly when national policies fail to meet the needs of the population. She points to what she describes as an “unprecedented social crisis” and a “record poverty rate for 30 years” in France, arguing for an “ambitious local policy led by concrete radicalism.”
The campaign’s strength, according to Belouassa Cherifi, lies in its articulation of “strong militant activity” and a program built through direct engagement with the public. “We are convinced that when the program emanates from popular will, it is anchored in reality,” she said.
Key Policy Proposals
Housing and access to basic necessities are central to the campaign’s platform. Belouassa Cherifi proposes requisitioning all vacant housing and implementing strict rent control measures. She also advocates for the creation of “houses of the commons,” inspired by “houses of the people,” envisioned as spaces for civic engagement and offering municipal restaurants at affordable prices.
If elected, Belouassa Cherifi stated the first measure would be the requisition of all vacant housing to provide shelter for the homeless, including children. She also pledged to provide free breakfasts and canteens in all schools, stating, “We refuse to allow a child to continue going to school on an empty stomach. Food insecurity will be over in Lyon.”
Campaign Momentum and Support
Belouassa Cherifi reports positive engagement with citizens during the campaign, noting that they are not surprised by her presence, as she has maintained activist activity since the 2024 legislative elections. As a deputy, she conducted over forty “popular permanence” events.
The campaign is utilizing door-to-door outreach and “popular caravan” actions, with citizens often expressing gratitude for the campaign’s continued commitment to its principles. Belouassa Cherifi highlighted the strength of the “young rebels” involved in the campaign, particularly their presence on university campuses.
A Focus on Inclusivity and Youth Engagement
Belouassa Cherifi emphasized a commitment to an inclusive city, particularly in the face of what she described as the “rise of the far-right.” She plans to establish mobile teams to support victims of racism, sexism, and LGBTIphobia, with the city taking legal action alongside them. Furthermore, she intends to lower the age for participation in citizen-initiated consultations and referendums to 16.
Why It Matters
Belouassa Cherifi’s campaign represents a growing trend of left-wing political movements focusing on hyperlocal solutions to national problems. Her proposals, particularly the requisitioning of vacant housing, are ambitious and signal a willingness to challenge traditional approaches to urban policy. The outcome of the Lyon municipal election could serve as a test case for these radical policies and potentially influence similar movements in other French cities. The election is framed by Belouassa Cherifi as a choice between prioritizing “human dignity and human rights” versus “privatization, marketization and the disappearance of our public services.”
