Just elected, the president of the Lyon Metropolis reveals her first strong measures

undefined undefined 26 mars 2026 undefined 17h00

The Editor

In Lyon, a new political chapter is unfolding. Véronique Sarselli takes the lead of the Metropolis with a strong majority and is already announcing a bold shift, moving away from the ecological era and focusing more on economic priorities.

With 91 votes out of 150, the LR mayor of Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, Véronique Sarselli, left no room for doubt during her election as president of the Metropolis this Thursday, March 26. A clear victory, almost predestined, marking the end of an era represented by Bruno Bernard. The first woman to hold this strategic position, she emerges as the new strong figure of the territory, backed by a solid majority… despite a small internal discord that hasn't gone unnoticed.

While the vote held no surprises, one detail caught attention: one member of the majority did not vote for Véronique Sarselli. In the hallways, glances are turning towards ...

Alexandre Vincendet, whose relationship with the new president is known to be tense. On the other side, the opposition has remained marginal, with blank ballots and isolated votes, confirming a power takeover without any real resistance.

Abandon of TEOL and Return of Metro E

Barely elected, Véronique Sarselli didn't take long to make her mark. In an assertive speech, she clearly distanced herself from the policies led by her predecessor. Her first target? The relationship with the central city and its mayor Grégory Doucet. “To have a dialogue, you need two,” she stated, calling for better consideration of peripheral municipalities. A declaration that sets the tone for what promises to be an electrifying coexistence.

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Among her first actions, Véronique Sarselli promises an independent audit of the finances of the Metropolis and Sytral, as well as a more rigorous management of public spending. Economically, she takes a clear stance: revitalize wealth creation to fund major projects. When it comes to mobility, the changes are even more tangible. The president of the Lyon Metropolis has already announced her intention to reopen Rue Grenette without delay. Additionally, the semi-buried TEOL tram project is being abandoned in favor of bringing back metro line E, aimed at better connecting western Lyon. This decision could reshape transportation in the agglomeration for the long term.

A new political era… and alliances to build

As we have committed, we will bring the Teol project to a close and restart the metro E, she stated. We will study the project for crossing Fourvière. A large and very complex project. Each step of its design will be subject to extensive consultation.» In a very personal speech, Véronique Sarselli claimed a direct and accountable approach. However, some signals indicate possibilities for collaboration. Cédric Van Styvendael, the PS mayor of Villeurbanne, particularly praised an “open” speech, suggesting that compromises could emerge.