Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi (LFI) Unveils Program for Lyon Municipal Elections
Lyon, March 12, 2026 – Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi, the La France Insoumise (LFI) candidate for mayor of Lyon and a Rhône MP, outlined her electoral program on Thursday, just two days before the first round of the 2026 municipal elections. Speaking at the ‘Canard de Rue’ bar, she detailed her vision for a municipal executive focused on “the fight against precariousness” and public services, aiming to counter what she described as the “hollow and empty” program of her opponent, Jean-Michel Aulas.
Sixteen Deputies to Prioritize Social Issues
Belouassa-Cherifi’s proposed executive would comprise sixteen deputies, fewer than the 21 under current mayor Grégory Doucet. This structure is intended to reflect the political priorities of her mandate, which are built upon feedback gathered during her campaign. Albert Lévy, former president of the Lyon District Court, is slated to be her first deputy, embodying an approach of “politics guided by law” and “proximity justice.” Other key deputy roles include a second deputy for children’s rights and a third for combating homelessness, signaling a strong focus on social welfare.
The candidate also emphasized a commitment to transparency and integrity, stating that her deputies would be required to adhere to an “anti-corruption charter” from the citizen association Anticor.
Fighting Poverty as a Means to Enhance Security
Albert Lévy, as the first deputy, would be responsible for “the fight against poverty, public finances, and the integrity of public functions.” This approach forms the “backbone” of the mandate, aiming to ensure the “safety” of Lyon’s residents by guaranteeing access to education, housing, food, and a dignified life. Belouassa-Cherifi argued that addressing poverty directly reduces transgressions and the perceived need for surveillance cameras and increased police presence.
“It is an intellectual weakness to treat security solely through police and cameras, without looking at public policies,” she asserted. Citing statistics, she noted that Lyon’s poverty rate stands at 16%, higher than the national average, with 45% of impoverished individuals under 30. In the 8th and 9th arrondissements, poverty approaches 20%. Her goal is to bring this rate below the national average.
Up to €1,000 for New Young Lyon Residents
Among the highlighted proposals is a municipal aid package for new Lyon residents aged 18 to 25, offering up to €1,000 based on income. This aid is intended to help cover security deposits or first rent payments. The campaign team estimates that approximately 4,000 young people arrive in Lyon each year, with the measure’s budget projected at €2.5 million. “We attract many students. The challenge is to enable them to settle and stay in Lyon,” explained Belouassa-Cherifi.
Proximity to Commerce and Health Services
Another key proposal involves generalizing the pre-emption of commercial premises to prevent large corporations from dominating the market and to foster essential local businesses in all neighborhoods. This, she argued, is crucial for the autonomy of elderly residents who rely on nearby shops.
The candidate also reiterated her plan to establish municipal health centers with salaried doctors, moving away from fee-for-service models. This initiative addresses the statistic that one in four Lyon residents lacks a general practitioner, and 75% of 18-25 year olds have foregone medical care due to financial constraints. These centers would include specialized units for women’s health, mental health, and addiction, contributing to the fight against drug trafficking by supporting individuals with addictions.
Free School Canteens and Ecological Initiatives
On the ecological front, Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi pledged efforts to combat heatwaves in working-class neighborhoods, areas she claims were neglected during the previous mandate. She also proposed implementing free school canteens under public management, citing London’s success in reducing childhood obesity by 11% through a similar program. These municipal kitchens would create “100 full-time equivalent jobs” and provide “balanced and organic meals from local Rhône farmers” to both schoolchildren and residents of municipal elderly care homes.
Potential Alliance with Doucet in Second Round
When questioned about a potential alliance with the ecologist Grégory Doucet, who is allied with the Socialist Party, in the second round, LFI affirmed its priority is to “prevent the right and the far-right from conquering the city.” The campaign also referenced the recent death of Quentin Deranque, stating that their list has seen an increase in sympathy and support on the ground, with people expressing sentiments like “hold on, you are the last bulwark against the far-right.” Belouassa-Cherifi emphasized that “anti-fascism is not a dirty word. There is no shame in being anti-fascist, and we claim it because it is in line with the values of the Republic.”
Source: actu.fr
