Lyon’s economic leaders are set to gather on January 26 at the Amphitheater 3 000, with over 2,500 decision-makers expected to attend an event designed to bridge the gap between business realities and the upcoming municipal and metropolitan elections.
Economic Leaders to Press Candidates on Key Issues
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A unique coalition of organizations aims to make business concerns central to the 2026 elections in Lyon.
- More than 2,500 business leaders will participate in the “Wishes, deeds” event.
- Organizers sent an open letter to candidates last December, urging engagement with the business community.
- Key topics include local taxation, housing, agriculture, and security.
- The event represents an “unprecedented institutional mobilization” in France.
The event, dubbed “Wishes, deeds,” will bring together seven employers’ and consular organizations in the Rhône: Medef Lyon-Rhône, CPME du Rhône, CCI Lyon Métropole Saint-Etienne Roanne, CCI Beaujolais, U2P du Rhône, Lyon-Rhône chamber of trades and crafts, and Rhône chamber of agriculture. On January 19, these groups publicly released an open letter—originally sent last December—to elected officials and candidates vying for positions in the March 2026 municipal and metropolitan elections.
The core objective? To ensure candidates understand the challenges facing businesses in the region, particularly in light of recent government decisions to increase taxes on large companies and eliminate reductions in the contribution on added value of companies (CVAE). “This evening is designed as a time for listening, dialogue and concrete engagement with economic decision-makers, a few weeks before the elections,” the organizers explained.
“Our approach…is part of a decisive context for the 2026-2032 mandate: the renewal of local executives who directly or indirectly impact the daily life of our companies and our employees.”
The evening will feature speeches from economic leaders and three round table discussions. These discussions will focus on several critical areas, including local shops, local taxation, housing, agriculture, and security. Organizers stressed they aren’t seeking campaign promises, but rather “concrete actions which must be sustained over time.”
Key Figures Expected to Attend
To date, 200 elected officials and candidates have confirmed their attendance, including prominent mayoral contenders Grégory Doucet and Jean-Michel Aulas. No political speeches are planned, maintaining a focus on constructive dialogue.
Economic wishes: three round tables on the program
- Round table 1: promote and boost the local economy.
- Round table 2: putting businesses at the heart of local public policies.
- Round table 3: together strengthening a robust and attractive territory.
The round tables will provide a platform for business leaders to share their experiences and insights. Discussions will center on strategies to invigorate the local economy, integrate business perspectives into public policy, and build a more resilient and appealing region.
