Lyon Mayoral Race Roiled by Right-Wing Divisions Four Months Before Election
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A growing rift within Lyon’s conservative political landscape is intensifying as the city prepares for municipal elections, with the exclusion of a key figure highlighting deep disagreements over potential alliances with the far right. The escalating tensions center around Jean-Michel Aulas, the former president of Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and now a leading candidate for mayor, and his firm stance against collaborating with extremist factions.
The controversy erupted on Tuesday with the removal of Étienne Blanc,a local senator from the Les Républicains (LR) party,from the “Cœur lyonnais” group – a municipal council structure aligned with Aulas’s campaign.This decision followed Blanc’s public statements suggesting a willingness to collaborate with the far right, a position that sharply contrasts with Aulas’s own principles.
Senator Advocates for Broad Right-Wing Coalition
Blanc, speaking on Public Senate, openly expressed his belief that a unified front encompassing the entire right-wing spectrum is essential for electoral success. “For me,it’s obvious,” he stated,advocating for “a programmatic alliance” – though not a formal merging of political organizations – to consolidate support. He further asserted that “the term extreme right no longer means anything,” signaling a willingness to move beyond traditional political boundaries.
This position has proven divisive within LR,and ultimately led to his exclusion from the “Cœur lyonnais” group.
Aulas Draws a Firm Line Against Extremism
Aulas responded swiftly and decisively,reaffirming his unwavering commitment to rejecting any form of collaboration with extremist ideologies. In a statement released Tuesday, he emphasized the importance of consistency, personal history, and long-held commitments.
“All my life, I have built without ever giving in to extremes,” Aulas wrote. He pledged to represent all residents of Lyon without discrimination but unequivocally ruled out any agreements with extremist groups. Aulas invoked the historical lessons of Lyon – a city associated with the resistance hero Jean moulin – warning against the dangers of embracing extremism and the consequences of historical compromises. “Lyon, the city of Jean Moulin, reminds us of what societies become when we open the door to excesses. History has taught us where these renunciations lead: we will never accept them.”
[VideoMunicipal 2026: former OL president Jean-Michel Aulas formalizes his candidacy in Lyon]
Internal Divisions Emerge Within the Right
The fallout from Blanc’s statements has exposed fractures within the broader right-wing coalition. While acknowledging a close relationship with Blanc,Béatrice de Montille also publicly distanced herself from his comments. “My commitment has never varied: I know where I come from and where I am going,” she stated on social media, emphasizing the need to rebuild the political family without compromising core values. She affirmed that the Lyon project remains “clear and unifying” and will not be swayed by divisive ideologies.
Blanc, appearing on BFM Lyon on Wednesday, downplayed the significance of his exclusion.”Sometimes in politics, you have to know how to disappear in front of unsuspected geniuses… I have taken note of this exclusion. It doesn’t change anything in terms of my beliefs,” he asserted, remaining steadfast in his support for Aulas as “the only one who can win Lyon.”
Aulas Remains the Frontrunner
Despite the internal turmoil, Aulas currently enjoys a commanding lead in the polls, significantly outpacing the incumbent ecologist mayor, Grégory Doucet. the latest surveys suggest a strong likelihood of an Aulas victory, positioning him as the clear favorite to lead Lyon in the upcoming elections.
The coming months will be critical as Aulas navigates these internal divisions and solidifies his position as the standard-bearer for a non-extremist right-wing coalition in Lyon.