Lyon is adjusting to a new political landscape following the recent municipal elections. Nathalie Perrin-Gilbert, a fixture in Lyon’s political scene for over three decades, is reflecting on her recent electoral defeat and charting a course forward. Perrin-Gilbert, who had served continuously since 1995, lost her mandates in the March 15th elections, failing to qualify for the second round in both the mayoral and metropolitan contests. The outcome marks a significant shift for the city and a personal turning point for the veteran politician.
Perrin-Gilbert garnered 3.64% of the vote for Lyon’s mayoral race and 9.30% in the 4th arrondissement, according to official results reported by Lyon Mag. This defeat brings to a close a career that saw her serve as mayor of the 1st arrondissement and, more recently, as deputy mayor in charge of Culture. Her long tenure began alongside former Lyon mayor Gérard Collomb, but their relationship later became strained, a dynamic often noted in local political coverage.
A Three-Decade Run Comes to an End
In a lengthy post on social media, Perrin-Gilbert offered a candid assessment of her political journey and the recent election results. She emphasized that she never viewed her involvement in politics as a traditional career path, stating, “I have always considered defeat not only as conceivable but also as probable at any time.” This perspective, she explained, allows her to approach the situation without regret, bitterness, or sadness, but rather with a sense of accomplishment.
“I have dedicated all the time and attention I was capable of to serving my city and to serving politics,” she wrote. Perrin-Gilbert acknowledged the impact the loss will have on her life, but contextualized it within a broader global perspective, noting the “violence and suffering that is spreading in the world.” She expressed a sense of perspective, stating she is among the “infinitesimal percentage of privileged people on this planet.”
Finding Relief and Reflecting on the Political Climate
Perhaps surprisingly, Perrin-Gilbert also expressed a sense of relief. She described feeling constrained by a particular “conception of politics” in recent years, particularly over the last six. “Holding firm to a certain conception of politics has not always been easy, and even less so in the last six years,” she stated. “I sometimes felt dismayed by the spectacle I was given to see.”
This sentiment suggests a growing disillusionment with the current political environment, a theme increasingly common among long-serving politicians across France. The shift from a position of power to one of relative freedom appears to be a welcome change for Perrin-Gilbert. She emphasized that, despite the challenges, she has no regrets and would not change her path if given the opportunity to do so again.
A Legacy of Connection and a Future Unwritten
Perrin-Gilbert’s post wasn’t solely focused on her personal experience. She highlighted the importance of the relationships built and the “seeds sown” during her time in office. “With those who accompanied me, we contributed to weaving links in the city, to sowing seeds, and something will remain of all this, I grasp it,” she wrote. “And that fills me with joy.”
Whereas she acknowledges the end of an era, Perrin-Gilbert’s final words hint at a potential continuation of her involvement in public life. She did not explicitly rule out future political endeavors, leaving the door open to new possibilities. The question now is what form that involvement might take.
What’s Next for Lyon and Perrin-Gilbert?
The city of Lyon is now focused on finalizing the results of the second round of municipal elections, scheduled for June 28th, 2020, to determine the composition of the new city council and metropolitan area council. The outcome will shape the city’s direction for the next six years.
For Perrin-Gilbert, the immediate future involves a period of reflection and reassessment. While her next steps remain unclear, her statement suggests a desire to remain engaged and contribute to the community in some capacity. Her decades of experience and deep understanding of Lyon’s political landscape will likely remain valuable assets, regardless of her formal role. The coming months will reveal whether she chooses to pursue a new path within the political arena or explore other avenues for public service.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by political news or experiencing anxiety about the future, resources are available. You can find support and information from organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at https://www.nami.org/.
What do you consider about Nathalie Perrin-Gilbert’s reflections on her career and the future of Lyon’s politics? Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with others interested in French politics.
