Villeurbanne, France, December 12, 2025 – Cédric Van Styvendael, the current Mayor of Villeurbanne, has officially announced his bid for re-election in the upcoming municipal elections in March 2026. Van Styvendael, a key figure in the local Socialist Party, shared his decision on social media, stating his campaign aims not just to “continue the work undertaken” but to “amplify municipal action” and launch “essential new projects” for the second-largest city in the métropole.
Cédric Van Styvendael: A Vision for Continued Growth
Elected mayor in 2020, Van Styvendael also serves as Vice-President of the Métropole de Lyon, with responsibility for Culture. He intends to leverage this dual role to strengthen his local campaign. His re-election bid will be under the banner of the list “Engagé·es pour Villeurbanne” (Committed for Villeurbanne), signaling a focus on collective engagement and progress.
A Contested Seat: Emerging Challengers
The race for Villeurbanne’s mayoral seat is shaping up to be a competitive one, with several candidates already declaring their intentions:
- Nadia Bouhami (Lutte ouvrière): On September 29, Lutte ouvrière was the first party to announce its candidate, with Nadia Bouhami leading their municipal list.
- Mathieu Garabedian (La France insoumise): The following day, Mathieu Garabedian, a municipal councilor and outgoing deputy, announced his candidacy under the banner of La France insoumise. This move marks a significant departure from the current executive where he previously served.
- Jean-Paul Bret (Dissident Candidacy): A surprising development occurred on November 28 when Jean-Paul Bret, who served as Mayor of Villeurbanne for nineteen years and was Van Styvendael’s direct predecessor, formalized a dissident candidacy. Bret claims he was compelled to return due to “circumstances,” criticizing the current team’s “poor municipal management.”
- Marc Fraysse (Les Républicains): On the right, Les Républicains have designated Marc Fraysse as their leader for Villeurbanne.
The municipal elections are scheduled for March 15 and 22, 2026, promising a dynamic and closely watched political contest in Villeurbanne.
Source: https://www.petit-bulletin.fr/article-80302-municipales-2026-cedric-van-styvendael-officialise-sa-candidature-a-villeurbanne.html
