Véronique Sarselli Takes Helm of Lyon Metropolis: A New Era Begins
Lyon, France – March 26, 2026 – Véronique Sarselli, the LR mayor of Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, was officially elected President of the influential Lyon Metropolis yesterday, March 26, 2026. This marks a significant shift in regional politics, as Sarselli becomes the first woman to lead the collectivity and the first president not aligned with the Lyon city mayor. She succeeds the ecologist Bruno Bernard, who now moves into the opposition.
Sarselli’s election comes after her victory in the metropolitan elections on March 22. Her new position will require collaboration with Grégory Doucet, the current Mayor of Lyon, as they navigate the region’s future.
Immediate Abandonment of TEOL, Launch of Metro E Project
One of Sarselli’s most significant announcements was the immediate abandonment of the TEOL (Tramway Express de l’Ouest Lyonnais) project, a semi-underground line intended to connect Tassin and Lyon. “We will put an end to the TEOL project, which has not convinced the residents of western Lyon. We will put the Metro E project back on track,” she declared in her election speech.
She confirmed that studies and new consultations will be launched for this future metro line, connecting Tassin to Bellecour in central Lyon. Mobility forums will also be initiated to discuss the “heavy service of the northern plateau” (Caluire, Rillieux) and the “extension of Metro E eastward.” During her campaign, Sarselli and Jean-Michel Aulas had promised a line extending to Part-Dieu and then to Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport.
Traffic Fluidity and Circulation Plan Review
Another key priority for the new president is to “fluidify circulation” across the entire Metropolis. “We will review the metropolitan circulation plan. It will not be about undoing everything with public money waste, but about operational common sense.”
While she did not announce the end of the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) on the Presqu’île of Lyon, Sarselli confirmed that reopening Rue Grenette to cars and reinstating bus services to the City Hall are priorities. “This project is on the table; I have never hidden that I wanted to reconsider the ZTL, and it will be one of the first discussion projects with the new mayor of Lyon.” She emphasized, “I am not in a mindset of undoing everything because I disagree with policies,” referring to traffic and cycle paths.
Independent Audit of Metropolitan Finances
Sarselli pledged a new working method based on “listening, transparency, and rigorous management of public finances.” An “independent audit” of the Metropolis’s finances will be launched promptly. She stated this is not an attempt at a trial or a polemical maneuver but “an act of responsibility; in any transition, clarity is a democratic requirement.”
New Fourvière Tunnel Project to Combat Congestion
The long-discussed 8 km tunnel under Lyon, aimed at “breaking the Fourvière bottleneck,” will be launched, Sarselli announced. She confirmed that studies would commence early in her mandate, without detailing the operational method at this stage. During her campaign, she also stated her intention to halt the right bank project on the Presqu’île.
End of Rent Control and New Housing Policy
Regarding rent control, in effect since 2021 in Lyon and Villeurbanne, Véronique Sarselli confirmed her intention to abolish the measure. “This is not the only measure” for housing, she noted. “We want to create more rental supply.” Her housing project includes continuing thermal renovation, transforming vacant offices into housing, and overhauling the local urban plan to “simplify standards, particularly certain urban planning rules.”
“Responsible Growth” to Boost the Economy
“We must revive our economy. We will redefine the economic and attractiveness strategy of our metropolis with stakeholders” such as traders, artisans, and businesses, she promised. “I want a metropolis that dares again with responsible growth. But without wealth creation, we cannot finance solidarity.” Jean-Michel Aulas, future first vice-president, added, “Some seem ashamed of growth, we are not. It is the ability to create jobs, generate resources to create our infrastructure, and generate solidarity.”
Metropolitan Police for TCL Network
Among her three major priorities, Sarselli cited the creation of a metropolitan transport police force for the TCL network. This force is expected to comprise 250 agents in the long term.
This new leadership marks a pivotal moment for Lyon, with Sarselli’s administration setting a clear agenda for urban development, economic growth, and public services.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/metropole-de-lyon-metro-e-tunnel-encadrement-des-loyers-les-annonces-fortes-de-veronique-sarselli_64057672.html
