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Jean-Michel Aulas Vows to Revitalize Lyon’s Festival of lights, Challenges Incumbent Mayor
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A potential shift in Lyon’s cultural landscape is brewing as mayoral candidate Jean-Michel Aulas publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with teh current Festival of Lights and outlined a vision for a more emotionally resonant and artistically ambitious event.
Former Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel aulas, currently a leading contender in the upcoming mayoral race, used the symbolism of December 8th to connect with residents amidst the ongoing Festival of Lights installations. While enjoying a notable swell of public support – polls, including one from Lyon Mag, currently favor his candidacy – Aulas emphasized he remains “a candidate for the moment,” acknowledging the election is far from decided.
A Disconnect with the Current Festival
Aulas’s walkabout on December 8th,accompanied by key members of his “Cœur Lyonnais” movement – including Pierre Oliver,Florence Verney-carron,Emmanuel Hamelin,Edward Hoffman,Samuel Soulier,and Pauline Grosjean – was intended to gauge public sentiment. He discovered a widespread feeling of disappointment with the current iteration of the Festival of Lights. Many residents, according to reports, questioned his role, asking “Is he the mayor of Lyon?” reflecting the considerable crowd surrounding him.
the candidate believes the festival has lost its way, becoming less focused on artistic merit and emotional impact.”We really want a future based on culture and there, we feel a little frustrated,” Aulas stated, adding that the current displays are “less artistic than we would have liked.” He proposes a return to a higher standard, emphasizing the need for “more specialized people” involved in the festival’s curation.
Expanding the Festival’s Reach and symbolism
Aulas envisions a Festival of Lights that extends beyond the city center, reaching all boroughs to ensure wider accessibility and distribution. “That would help distribute it better,” he explained, while engaging with local traders and residents. He also suggested exploring the possibility of extending the festivity beyond a single day, believing a longer event could imbue December 8th with greater symbolic value.
“There, December 8 is coming to a bit of an end point. It could be the launch of a more symbolic celebration,” he said, acknowledging the need for careful planning. This potential expansion, he believes, would recapture “December 8 of our childhood,” a period he associates with a more vibrant and culturally rich celebration.
A Show of Support for Law Enforcement
Beyond cultural policy, Aulas used the opportunity to express solidarity with the municipal police force, who have recently been subjected to hateful messages from the environmentalist movement “the uprisings of the earth.” This gesture included an informal exchange with officers near the residence of current mayor Grégory Doucet, a pointed move given the ongoing political tensions.
Aulas directly addressed the officers, stating, “Luckily you are here. With me, you will be defended!” This public display of support contrasts sharply with the response from Doucet, who, on Instagram, framed the situation as a reflection of systemic issues within law enforcement. The incumbent mayor welcomed what he termed a “luminous intrusion which imposes a harsh truth,” arguing it highlighted the disparity between local and national police forces.
