Jean-Michel Aulas Temporarily Removed from Lyon Metropolis Duties Amidst Scandal: Agreement Document Revealed
Lyon, July 1, 2026 – Jean-Michel Aulas, a prominent figure in the Lyon Metropolis, has been temporarily relieved of his duties as vice-president, along with two close associates, Laure Cedat and Emmanuel Imberton. This decision, enacted by Métropole President Véronique Sarselli on June 12, stems from accusations of sexual assault against a former advisor to Aulas. Sarselli cited Aulas’s alleged failure to inform her of these accusations during the campaign and to report the incidents to legal authorities as the primary reason for their removal.
The controversy has sent ripples through the Lyon Metropolis, prompting Sarselli to take decisive action. Actu Lyon has obtained and published the original agreement document, which outlines the terms of Aulas’s temporary withdrawal. The document, signed by both Jean-Michel Aulas and Véronique Sarselli on June 12, is a half-page A4, confirming the formal nature of the arrangement.
A Written Agreement for Temporary Withdrawal
The revealed document specifies that the “contract” concerns the “outlines of the temporary withdrawal of the delegation.” Crucially, it states that “the delegations of the first vice-president are not reallocated,” indicating a temporary suspension rather than a permanent reassignment of responsibilities. This suggests a potential for Aulas to reclaim his position in the future.
One key condition outlined in the agreement is that Jean-Michel Aulas is prohibited from “officially representing the metropolitan executive in internal and external bodies” for a period of three months. The agreement also includes a clause stating that the withdrawal “can be discussed at any time.” This temporary “punishment” by Véronique Sarselli is set to conclude in August, raising questions about Aulas’s potential return to his full duties by the autumn.
Media Battle and Conflicting Statements
The announcement of the delegation withdrawal sparked a media battle between Aulas and Sarselli. Me Alain Jakubowicz, legal counsel for Jean-Michel Aulas and Laure Cédat, vehemently denied the claims of a withdrawal, stating, “It’s totally false!” according to Le Progrès. Emmanuel Imberton, another associate affected by the decision, also informed Actu Lyon that he had “signed no agreement.”
Jean-Michel Aulas later clarified that the agreement pertained “strictly to our representative role” and was for a “period of three months.” However, he expressed strong disapproval of the media’s portrayal of his handling of the sexual assault complaint by Véronique Sarselli. He stated, “Our direct and explicit questioning in the interview granted to Le Progrès is in total contradiction with the calm and constructive spirit that had nevertheless presided over this meeting. We deeply regret it.”
Impact on Lyon Metropolis and Future Implications
This development underscores the serious nature of the accusations and the political ramifications within the Lyon Metropolis. The temporary removal of a prominent figure like Aulas highlights the increasing scrutiny and accountability demanded in public office, particularly concerning issues of misconduct and transparency.
As the three-month period of Aulas’s withdrawal progresses, all eyes will be on the discussions regarding his potential return. The situation could have lasting implications for the political landscape of Lyon and the broader Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/jean-michel-aulas-mis-en-retrait-de-la-metropole-de-lyon-par-veronique-sarselli-le-document-de-l-accord-revele_64485513.html
