Lyon Election Campaign Marred by Aulas Camp’s ‘Fake News’
For several months, Jean-Michel Aulas and his allies have intensified their attacks against Lyon’s outgoing ecological municipal majority, using deceptive statements, factually false claims, and questioning the reliability of figures provided by the city and the metropolis. This is according to an investigation by Mathieu Périsse and Nicolas Barriquand of Mediacités, published on December 12, 2025.
The ‘Missing Electric Bikes’ Controversy
On November 17, 2025, Pierre Oliver, the mayor (Les Républicains, LR) of the 2nd arrondissement and an ally of Jean-Michel Aulas for the upcoming municipal elections in March, believed he had uncovered a scandal. In a video filmed in front of Lyon City Hall, Oliver conditionally referred to the existence of more than eight hundred electric bicycles that were allegedly purchased for over 3 million euros by the ecological city council but appeared as ‘unassigned’ in internal software.
This claim, which quickly circulated, is a prime example of the tactics allegedly employed by the Aulas camp. The investigation suggests that such statements are part of a broader strategy to undermine public trust in the current administration by disseminating information that is either misleading or outright false.
A Pattern of Deception
The Mediacités report highlights a consistent pattern of attacks from Aulas’s supporters. These attacks often involve:
- Misleading Declarations: Presenting information in a way that suggests wrongdoing without concrete evidence.
- Factually False Claims: Spreading statements that are demonstrably untrue.
- Doubt-Casting on Official Figures: Questioning the veracity of data provided by city and metropolitan authorities without sufficient justification.
This approach, according to the report, aims to create an atmosphere of distrust and uncertainty among the electorate, potentially influencing the outcome of the upcoming municipal elections. The focus on specific, often technical, aspects of city management, such as the electric bike procurement, allows for the creation of seemingly credible but ultimately unfounded accusations.
The Impact on the Democratic Process
The proliferation of ‘fake news’ and misleading information can have significant consequences for the democratic process. When voters are exposed to a constant barrage of unverified claims, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to make informed decisions. This can lead to:
- Erosion of Trust: A decline in public confidence in political institutions and the media.
- Voter Apathy: Disengagement from the political process due to confusion or disillusionment.
- Polarization: The entrenchment of opposing viewpoints based on misinformation rather than facts.
Experts in political communication warn that such tactics, while not new, are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, especially with the rapid dissemination of information through social media platforms. The challenge for both the public and the media is to critically evaluate information and seek out reliable sources.
The Road Ahead for Lyon
As the municipal elections approach, the spotlight will remain on the political discourse in Lyon. The incumbent ecological majority faces the task of countering these alleged disinformation campaigns while continuing to present their vision for the city. Meanwhile, the Aulas camp will likely continue to press their attacks, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
The integrity of the election process hinges on the ability of all parties to engage in a fair and fact-based debate. The current situation in Lyon serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against misinformation in contemporary politics.
