Lyon, France – As the 2026 Métropole de Lyon elections draw closer, a new Opinionway poll, published on Friday, December 26, for Lyon Mag and Espace Radio, reveals a shifting political landscape. The survey places Véronique Sarselli (LR), backed by Jean-Michel Aulas, in the lead, while the incumbent ecologist president, Bruno Bernard, sees a notable decline in his support.
Sarselli/Aulas Alliance Holds Strong Lead
The poll, conducted between December 8 and 12, shows Véronique Sarselli (LR/Grand Coeur Lyonnais) maintaining her leading position with 35% of voting intentions in the first round. Despite a slight decrease of one point compared to the previous poll, her alliance with Jean-Michel Aulas, announced on November 25, continues to position them favorably. Jean-Michel Aulas, a prominent figure, has been actively campaigning alongside Sarselli, aiming to reclaim the presidency of the Métropole.
Bruno Bernard’s Support Declines Significantly
For Bruno Bernard, who officially announced his candidacy on November 30 and has been actively campaigning, the poll brings less favorable news. The ecologist candidate is now credited with only 22% of voting intentions, a five-point drop from 27% in early November. This decline brings his support level closer to that of the National Rally. Bernard’s campaign has focused on key proposals such as 24/7 metro service on weekends and new housing initiatives. His team remains optimistic, recalling that he was underestimated in polls during the 2020 elections, which he ultimately won. They aim to shift the debate from a ‘for or against the Greens’ narrative to a focus on his track record and future projects. [actu.fr](https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/metropole-de-lyon-2026-bruno-bernard-annonce-sa-candidature-la-bataille-est-lancee_63508807.html) and [lyoncapitale.fr](https://www.lyoncapitale.fr/actualite/metropolitaines-2026-bruno-bernard-officiellement-candidat-pour-un-second-mandat) reported on his official candidacy and the renewed team he plans to lead.
Emergence of Nathalie Perrin-Gilbert, RN Gains Traction
A new factor influencing Bernard’s reduced support is the inclusion of Nathalie Perrin-Gilbert (Parti Radical de Gauche) in this poll. She is set to present lists in several metropolitan constituencies (Lyon, Villeurbanne, northern plateau) and is currently polling at 7% of voting intentions. Meanwhile, the National Rally (RN), led by Deputy Tiffany Joncour, has seen a two-point increase, reaching 22% of voting intentions, up from 20% in November. This places them on par with Bruno Bernard in the first round.
Second Round Projections Favor Sarselli
In a hypothetical second round, Véronique Sarselli is projected to win with 43% of the votes, ahead of Bruno Bernard, who would secure 34% without a La France Insoumise (LFI) list. The National Rally, with Tiffany Joncour, is projected to receive 23% in this scenario. LFI’s candidate, Deputy Idir Boumertit, has not yet officially announced his candidacy, and their support has declined to 12% from 15% a month ago.
The Significance of the Métropole Election
The Métropole de Lyon, established in 2015, is a unique local authority in France, encompassing 58 communes and 1.4 million inhabitants. It holds significant power and manages an annual budget of nearly four billion euros, four times that of the city of Lyon itself. The metropolitan elections, held concurrently with municipal elections, are crucial, as Lyon accounts for over a third of the elected officials. [lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/lyon/metropole-de-lyon-bruno-bernard-lance-sa-campagne-face-a-la-liste-lr-aulas-20251205) highlights the importance of this election, noting that the municipal results will significantly impact the metropolitan outcome.
Challenges for the Ecologists
The current polls suggest a challenging environment for the incumbent ecologist administration, both in the Métropole and the city of Lyon. [leprogres.fr](https://www.leprogres.fr/elections/2025/12/11/municipales-2026-apres-le-succes-de-2020-des-mairies-ecolos-dans-le-dur) indicates that the ‘green wave’ of 2020 may be receding, with incumbents like Grégory Doucet and Bruno Bernard facing an uphill battle. Despite their efforts to defend their track record, including initiatives for green spaces, sustainable mobility, and water protection, they are confronted with a revitalized right-wing opposition and a transformed political landscape. [leparisien.fr](https://www.leparisien.fr/elections/municipales/municipales-2026-face-a-la-vague-aulas-annoncee-lyon-va-t-il-basculer-01-12-2025-VEWWJ4PRDZBVTGGGXSOEXVNBKU.php) also discusses the potential shift in Lyon’s political leadership, with Jean-Michel Aulas posing a significant challenge.
This new poll provides a snapshot of the electoral climate just over three months before the vote, indicating that the ecologist incumbents are now in the position of challengers.
Source: actu.fr
