Hélène Geoffroy, the current Socialist Mayor of Vaulx-en-Velin, a commune in the Lyon metropolitan area, declared her intention to seek a third term in the 2026 municipal elections. The announcement, made on Thursday, December 11, 2025, during the BFM Lyon program “Lyon Politique” in partnership with actu Lyon, signals a significant political contest, particularly with the rising influence of La France Insoumise (LFI).
Geoffroy’s Third Mandate Bid Amidst Growing LFI Challenge
Geoffroy, who secured a comfortable re-election in 2020 with over 40% of the vote, faces a more challenging landscape this time. The socialist politician, also Vice-President of the Métropole de Lyon and a former Member of Parliament and Secretary of State under François Hollande, is now confronted with a formidable challenge from LFI, a party that has seen considerable growth in recent years. Her political stance, described as more social-democratic, places her in opposition to Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s movement, and her current majority includes members from Horizons, Édouard Philippe’s party.
LFI Prepares for Electoral Battle with Abdelkader Lahmar
While LFI has not yet formally designated its mayoral candidate for Vaulx-en-Velin, local MP Abdelkader Lahmar is widely expected to lead their campaign. Lahmar is known for advocating a clear break from the Socialist Party and Hélène Geoffroy’s policies, indicating a direct confrontation in the upcoming elections. The Greens, meanwhile, are grappling with internal voting issues, which have been postponed due to allegations of LFI and Socialist activists registering as members. The party is set to decide whether to align with Geoffroy or LFI, a decision that could significantly impact the election dynamics. Bruno Bernard, the Green President of the Métropole, has already expressed his support for his Vice-President, Hélène Geoffroy.
No Alliance with LFI and Initial Policy Announcements
During her announcement, Geoffroy explicitly stated that there would be no alliance with La France Insoumise in a potential second round of voting. She also unveiled key policy proposals for her next term. These include a significant increase in video surveillance cameras, aiming to more than triple their current number to over 300 by the end of the mandate, alongside the recruitment of additional municipal police officers. In the realm of housing, she plans to establish a “quality of life brigade” to combat unsanitary conditions in both social and private housing. For the youth, Geoffroy intends to introduce a new contract program. Furthermore, she voiced support for the creation of a metropolitan police force, specifically dedicated to environmental issues, and for the extension of Metro Line A towards Décines-Charpieu and Meyzieu, albeit over a longer timeframe.
The Political Landscape of Vaulx-en-Velin
The upcoming municipal elections in Vaulx-en-Velin are poised to be a critical test for the political forces in the region. Geoffroy’s decision to run for a third term, coupled with LFI’s growing presence and the Greens’ internal deliberations, highlights the evolving political landscape. The outcome will not only determine the leadership of Vaulx-en-Velin but also reflect broader trends in French local politics, particularly the ongoing shifts within the left-wing spectrum. The focus on security, housing, and youth initiatives by the incumbent mayor signals her priorities in addressing the concerns of the local populace, while the impending challenge from LFI promises a robust and competitive electoral campaign.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/vaulx-en-velin_69256/municipales-2026-helene-geoffroy-candidate-a-vaulx-en-velin-la-guerre-avec-lfi-declaree_63560727.html
