Jean-Michel Aulas president… but not of soccer this time. The legendary former head of Olympique Lyonnais hasn’t officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 municipal elections yet, but it definitely feels like some serious campaign teasing is happening! And a new survey published by BFM Lyon has clearly given him a little boost of confidence (and probably some behind-the-scenes calls).
Jean-Michel Aulas leading the pack if...
According to the Elabe study, if the left and the right party go in different directions, it's simple: Aulas would surpass everyone in the first round with 24% of the votes, beating the outgoing green mayor Grégory Doucet by a nose (22%). That would really put pressure on the current municipal teams, who are already not big fans of the guy.
In other scenarios (alliances on the left or right)...MA would still firmly hold onto his position as the runner-up, never too far behind Doucet. And that’s where it gets interesting: the former president of OL is gradually establishing himself as the only one capable of uniting a scattered center-right like a jigsaw puzzle. A leader "above the parties," as his entourage likes to say, aiming to boost his image as a calm boss who’s ready to elbow his way forward.
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Young People Coming to Doucet's Aid While the Older Generation Favors Aulas
Playing the strategic game, Aulas keeps his intentions under wraps, only revealing a hint on X (formerly Twitter for the older folks): “Gradually, a direction and a path are taking shape.” Translation: hang tight, it’s coming at the right moment (probably after Easter, if the locker room whispers are to be believed).
Still, the survey shows a clear generational divide: young people are solidly behind Doucet (more than 50% among 18-34 year-olds), while those aged 50 and older largely support JMA. It’s a true stylistic clash between a somewhat divisive eco-friendly mayor and a pragmatic industry captain looking to unite.
In short, in Lyon, the campaign hasn’t even officially started, yet it already feels charged and full of potential!And knowing Aulas, we can expect to enjoy a lovely old-fashioned match.