Student Right Breaks 14-Year Drought, Secures CROUS Seat in Lyon
Lyon, February 9, 2026 – The student right-wing union, UNI, has achieved a significant electoral victory in Lyon, securing a seat on the administrative council of the CROUS (Regional Centre for University and School Works) after a 14-year absence. Loïs Turpin, representing UNI, was elected with nearly 1,300 votes, signaling a notable shift in the student political landscape.
The election, held nationwide from February 3 to 5, 2026, saw a low voter turnout across France, with only 8.7% of students participating. In Lyon, despite considerable mobilization efforts by UNI and other student organizations, only 7.80% of the nearly 200,000 university students cast their ballots. Eight lists contested the elections, comprising six left-wing and far-left lists, and two right-wing lists.
A Potential Ideological Shift?
While UNI secured only one out of eight elected seats, this victory is seen as a major ideological triumph against the more radical positions advocated by left-wing unions. Since 2014, five UNI leaders have successively worked in Lyon, described as ‘dedicated students, giving their time for the common good.’
Vigorous Campaigning Leads to Success
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lyon section of UNI faced internal challenges. However, under the leadership of Barthélémy Cayre-Bideau, then Nathan Perramond, and most recently Loïs Turpin, who became president this year, the section has regained momentum, now boasting over a hundred members and sympathizers.
Loïs Turpin acknowledged the collective effort behind their success, stating, ‘This victory is above all yours, you who gave your time to leaflet, interact with students, and convince them.’ This achievement is the culmination of sustained effort despite numerous electoral disappointments. The Lyon section maintained an exemplary conduct amidst recent controversies surrounding UNI.
Turpin addressed these controversies directly on election night, telling his activists, ‘Don’t be ashamed to be on the right; that doesn’t make you extremists. We must all unequivocally condemn the excesses of some. Never at UNI Lyon will I tolerate any form of misconduct. At the slightest deviation, the response will always be the door.’
Looking Ahead: Future Battles for UNI
With a representative now on the CROUS council, UNI aims to implement its program and exert significant ideological influence, with the goal of securing additional elected officials within the next two years.
Detailed Election Results
- Bouge Ton CROUS avec GAELIS, la FASEE et tes assos: 3,569 votes / 2 seats
- L’Union étudiante contre Macron et l’extrême droite: 3,302 votes / 2 seats
- Union syndicale contre l’extrême droite et Macron: 2,018 votes / 1 seat
- Le Poing Levé, la liste des étudiant.es anticapitalistes: 1,969 votes / 1 seat
- UNI: la droite étudiante: 1,246 votes / 1 seat
- La FORCE: toujours là pour toi!: 906 votes / 0 seats
- La cocarde Étudiante, l’Alternative patriote: 771 votes / 0 seats
- AGIR pour les étudiant.e.s oublié.e.s Car c’est PAS OK!: 263 votes / 0 seats
The election of Loïs Turpin marks a pivotal moment for student politics in Lyon, demonstrating the enduring presence and growing influence of the student right.
Source: lyonpeople.com
