Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France – In a campaign rally that doubled as a New Year’s address, Bruno Bernard, the current president of the Métropole de Lyon, officially kicked off his bid for re-election. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 600 supporters and activists at the Rhône swimming pool last Friday evening, Bernard promised a “new stage” for the metropolitan area, emphasizing continuity with improvements and a clear distinction from his political rivals.
Bernard’s Vision: A Renewed Team and a “New Stage”
Bernard, representing a united left-wing coalition, presented his 14 lead candidates for the metropolitan elections. His speech followed addresses from three signatories of the “Appel des Cent” (now numbering 1,800), Kheira Boukralfa (head of the Lyon-Centre list), Marie-Charlotte Garin (MP and head of the Lyon Sud-Est list), and Hélène Geoffroy (Mayor of Vaulx-en-Velin). Bernard acknowledged past challenges, particularly regarding the coordination of public works, a point of recurring criticism in recent months.
“We are promising a new stage with a renewed team, one that builds on what has worked, and on what could have been better explained or better executed,” Bernard stated, offering a subtle mea culpa for previous shortcomings. This reflects a strategic pivot to address public concerns while maintaining confidence in his administration’s overall direction.
“Seriousness Over Bluster”: Criticizing the Opposition
A significant portion of Bernard’s address was dedicated to a sharp critique of his principal opponents, Jean-Michel Aulas and Véronique Sarselli. He framed the upcoming election as a clash between “two very different visions” for the Métropole, asserting his preference for “seriousness over bluster, sincerity and frankness over hypocrisy and hot air.”
Bernard accused his adversaries of engaging in “caricatured speeches accompanied by fake news,” deeming such tactics “unworthy of public debate.” This rhetoric highlights the increasingly polarized political landscape in Lyon, where the campaign is expected to be fiercely contested.
Aulas-Sarselli: Positioned in the Hard Right Camp?
Despite the Grand Cœur Lyonnais coalition, led by Aulas and Sarselli, presenting itself as a broad, non-partisan alliance, Bernard sought to firmly categorize them within the right-wing political spectrum. He specifically linked them to Laurent Wauquiez’s right-wing policies, citing proposals to remove homeless individuals from emergency shelters and the refusal to house children in city schools as examples of their “shameful” approach.
Bernard also ridiculed claims made by Aulas, suggesting he was attempting to downplay his right-wing affiliations and even falsely associate himself with the Unef student union during the May 1968 protests. This move aims to define his opponents by their perceived ideological leanings, irrespective of their stated intentions.
The “Lyon Model”: A Defense Against the Far-Right
Bernard further extended his critique to the far-right, issuing a warning about the National Rally (Rassemblement National) while simultaneously attacking the mainstream right. He accused right-wing mayors in the 13th constituency of complicity in the election of an RN deputy, Madame Joncour, by failing to call for a “republican front” against the far-right candidate.
He also drew a parallel with Éric Zemmour’s party, stating that “Mr. Ciotti has already crossed the red line. Mr. Wauquiez is not far behind by proposing a primary with Mr. Zemmour’s party, which has been repeatedly condemned for its hateful remarks.” This strategy positions Bernard’s campaign as a bulwark against extremist ideologies, framing the election as a defense of democratic and humanistic values.
Future Priorities: Housing, Security, Transport, and Economic Attractiveness
Looking ahead, Bernard outlined his priorities for a potential new mandate, encompassing key areas such as housing, security, transport, urban planning, economic attractiveness, and support for working-class neighborhoods. He articulated a vision for a “diverse, proactive, humanistic Metropole, capable of long-term planning and fostering social cohesion.” This, he asserted, is the essence of the “Lyon model” – a model he and his team are proud to uphold.
Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for Lyon
Bruno Bernard’s campaign launch signals a critical juncture for the Lyon Metropole. His emphasis on a “new stage” reflects an acknowledgment of past challenges and a commitment to continuous improvement. However, his aggressive stance against his opponents, particularly the Aulas-Sarselli duo, and his warnings against the far-right, underscore the intense political battles ahead.
The upcoming metropolitan elections will not only determine the leadership of Lyon but also its future trajectory in terms of social policy, urban development, and economic strategy. Bernard’s call for “seriousness over bluster” and his defense of a “humanistic” Lyon model will be tested against the criticisms and alternative visions presented by his rivals. The debate promises to be robust, with significant implications for the residents of this dynamic French city.
