Lyon, March 14, 2026 – The Spartacus movement, a political group with Francis Lalanne serving as its campaign director, is strongly refuting its classification as ‘far-right’ by the Interior Ministry. This dispute arises ahead of the municipal elections scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Lyon.
Spartacus Challenges Ministry’s Classification
Francis Lalanne, who was prevented from running in the Lyon municipal elections for the 8th arrondissement, has taken the matter to the Council of State. The Interior Ministry’s decision to categorize Spartacus as ‘far-right’ is a point of contention for the movement, which denies this label.
Yves Duigou, a Spartacus candidate in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon, along with Francis Lalanne, are vocal in their rejection of the classification. They assert that the movement does not align with the ‘far-right’ ideology.
The Stakes of the Municipal Elections
The upcoming municipal elections in Lyon are proving to be highly competitive. Current polls indicate a very narrow gap between the two main mayoral candidates, Jean-Michel Aulas and Gregory Doucet, who are reportedly neck and neck.
Voters in Lyon will head to 313 polling stations, utilizing 939 ballot boxes for three separate elections on Sunday. Polling stations will be open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in most communes, extending until 7:00 PM in the first ring of communes around Lyon, and until 8:00 PM in Lyon and Villeurbanne.
Other News from Lyon
- SNCF Computer Glitch: The week has been challenging for SNCF, with a computer breakdown causing numerous delays across the network. This follows two cable thefts in Oullins Pierre-Bénite and a construction machine failure in Saint-Priest.
- Wauquiez’s Expense Reports: The Administrative Court of Lyon has ordered the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region to release the full expense reports of its former president, Laurent Wauquiez, for the period between 2021 and 2023. This decision comes after a request from the anti-corruption association Anticor, and the documents are to be released within six months.
- Philippe Dorier’s Green Shift: Lyon-based entrepreneur Philippe Dorier is reportedly making a ‘green shift’ in his business ventures, aligning with growing environmental concerns.
- Bruno Bernard’s Natural Air Conditioner Project: Bruno Bernard is championing an ‘unprecedented project’ for a natural air conditioner, indicating innovative approaches to environmental solutions in the city.
- Jean-Michel Aulas’ Ecological Corridors: Jean-Michel Aulas is also involved in environmental initiatives, focusing on ecological corridors.
- Women’s Rights Day: On International Women’s Day, it was highlighted that ‘women’s rights remain threatened,’ underscoring ongoing societal challenges.
- OL’s Europa League Match: In football news, Olympique Lyonnais (OL) secured only a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 match against Celta Vigo.
These developments contribute to a dynamic political and social landscape in Lyon as the city approaches a significant electoral event.
