Lyon, May 1, 2026 – The recent decisions made by the new majority in the Lyon Metropolis have ignited controversy, particularly the €700 monthly salary increase for its new LR President, Véronique Sarselli. This move comes after the municipal elections of March 15 and 22, which saw the ecologists retain the mayoralty of Lyon but lose the powerful Greater Lyon Metropolis to the Republicans.
New Majority’s Initial Decisions Stir Controversy
Among the first measures adopted by the new Republican majority are the reintroduction of company cars, an expansion of the cabinet, and a significant increase in the President’s indemnity. These decisions have proven difficult for the former left-wing majority to accept.
The fixation of elected officials’ indemnities was on the agenda for the Métropole council on April 22. While the elected officials did not have to vote on the new president’s indemnity directly, the discussion around it has been intense.
The Legal Argument: A 2025 Law?
Sarselli’s entourage maintains that the salary increase is simply a matter of ‘respecting’ a 2025 law that dictates a higher remuneration than that of her predecessor. However, critics point out that the same legal text also allows for the setting of a lower indemnity.
This discrepancy has fueled the debate, with opponents questioning the necessity and timing of such an increase, especially given the other new measures being implemented. The discussion highlights the differing interpretations of the legal framework surrounding elected officials’ compensation.
Background: Political Shift in Lyon
The recent municipal elections marked a significant political shift in the Lyon Metropolis. While the Green party managed to hold onto the city of Lyon, the broader metropolitan area, a key power base, transitioned to the control of the Republicans. This change in leadership has led to a series of policy adjustments, with the salary increase being one of the most prominent and contentious.
The decisions made by the new administration are being closely watched, as they signal a new direction for the metropolitan area. The debate surrounding Sarselli’s salary is indicative of the broader political tensions and the scrutiny faced by the new leadership as it begins its term.
The situation in Lyon reflects a national trend where local governance and the remuneration of elected officials are increasingly under public and media scrutiny. As the new majority settles in, further discussions and debates on these and other policy changes are anticipated.
