Jean-Michel Aulas leads Lyon's mayoral race with bold security and modernization plans

From football mogul to political frontrunner: Aulas' controversial vision for Lyon divides critics and voters alike. Can his tech-driven reforms win over the city?

, and Administrator

2026 May 11 . 5:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows the front page of the French newspaper Les Élections Municipales, with a white... — The image shows the front page of the French newspaper Les Élections Municipales, with a white background. The paper is filled with text, likely discussing the municipal elections.

Jean-Michel Aulas leads Lyon's mayoral race with bold security and modernization plans

Jean-Michel Aulas, the former owner of Olympique Lyonnais, is leading the race to become Lyon’s next mayor. Polls suggest he could win outright in the first round. The billionaire businessman is running as an independent but has backing from both the centre-right Republicans and President Macron’s Renaissance party. Aulas has built his campaign on promises of security and modernisation. He plans to install 600 new surveillance cameras across the city and has spoken out against political extremism from both the left and the right. His stance gained momentum after the recent death of a far-right extremist in a clash with anti-fascist activists.

At a recent rally, Aulas introduced a young candidate whose family members died in an accident she blamed on the current Green mayor. The emotional appeal highlighted his criticism of the existing administration. His proposals also include a €15 million renovation of sports facilities and replacing zoo animals with holograms. Aulas, worth an estimated €450 million, made his fortune in software before taking over OL. Despite calls to step down, he remains vice president of the French Football Federation. Critics argue he is using the role for political advantage, but his popularity remains strong. Elsewhere, Rachida Dati, a former minister under Sarkozy and Macron, is running for Paris mayor as the Republicans’ candidate. Meanwhile, Louis Sarkozy, the youngest son of Nicolas Sarkozy, is leading a citizens’ list for mayor of Menton with cross-party support from both the Republicans and Renaissance.

Aulas’ campaign combines security pledges with bold urban projects. If elected, he would bring significant changes to Lyon’s governance and infrastructure. The outcome of the race will determine whether his independent bid can reshape the city’s political landscape.