Lyon, France – May 5, 2026 – Yasmine Bouagga and Sophia Popoff have been elected as the new co-presidents of the Ecologist Group within the Lyon City Council. This internal vote, involving all 64 members of the group, marks a new leadership era following Gautier Chapuis and Philomène Récamier, who served since 2022.
New Leadership for Lyon’s Ecologist Group
The announcement was made today, confirming the transition of leadership within the influential political group. Yasmine Bouagga, currently the Mayor of the 1st arrondissement, and Sophia Popoff, the Deputy Mayor responsible for urban planning, greening, biodiversity, and animal welfare, will now jointly steer the group’s political agenda.
Roles and Responsibilities
According to a press release from the Ecologist Group, Bouagga and Popoff are tasked with “carrying the voice of political ecology within the City Council and across the arrondissements.” Their responsibilities will include overseeing municipal affairs and animating the group’s activities. This duo is expected to bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to environmental policies in Lyon.
Composition of the New Bureau
The co-presidents will be supported by a newly formed bureau, which reflects the diverse engagement within the group. The bureau includes:
- Sylvain Godinot: Delegate Councillor to the Mayor of Lyon, in charge of social housing.
- Victor Chotin: Councillor for the 3rd arrondissement and a member of Voix Commune.
- Mylène Sinang Ndouyong: Ecologist and Councillor for the 8th arrondissement.
The group emphasized that “the composition of the bureau reflects the diversity of the elected officials, their backgrounds, and forms of civic engagement,” highlighting a commitment to broad representation and varied expertise.
Succession and Continuity
Bouagga and Popoff succeed Gautier Chapuis and Philomène Récamier, who led the group since 2022. The change in leadership is part of the group’s ongoing internal democratic process, aiming to refresh its direction and strengthen its impact on local governance. This transition is seen as a strategic move to reinforce the ecologist agenda in Lyon, focusing on sustainable urban development and environmental protection.
Implications for Lyon’s Political Landscape
The election of Bouagga and Popoff is significant for Lyon’s political landscape. As prominent figures in the city’s administration, their joint leadership is expected to streamline decision-making processes and enhance the visibility of ecological issues. Their combined experience in municipal governance and environmental advocacy positions them to effectively champion their party’s objectives.
The Ecologist Group has been a key player in shaping Lyon’s policies, particularly under the current mayoral administration. With this new leadership, the group aims to further its initiatives in areas such as sustainable transport, urban greening, and social equity. The focus on a collective leadership model through co-presidency also underscores a collaborative approach to political action.
Future Outlook
The new co-presidents are anticipated to build upon the foundations laid by their predecessors, while also introducing new strategies to address contemporary environmental and social challenges. Their mandate includes engaging with various stakeholders, from local communities to other political factions, to foster a more inclusive and sustainable urban environment for Lyon’s residents.
The coming months will likely see the new leadership outline their specific priorities and action plans, as they work to implement their vision for a greener and more equitable Lyon. This leadership change is a testament to the dynamic nature of local politics and the continuous evolution of political groups in response to societal needs.
Source: lyoncapitale.fr
