Lyon politics: Rent control report and election legal challenge

Political developments in Lyon are unfolding regarding both housing policy and the validity of recent municipal elections.

A confidential evaluation report from the private consultancy Planète Publique suggests that the rent control experiment in Lyon and Villeurbanne has been successful. The report indicates the measure has had “effects of moderating market rents in Lyon and Villeurbanne in an inflationary context.” This finding challenges the current majority led by Véronique Sarselli (LR), who has campaigned on the promise to abolish the system, labeling it ineffective.

Separately, the legal challenge to the Lyon municipal election results filed by Jean-Michel Aulas has faced a setback. Following the narrow defeat to Grégory Doucet, Aulas raised several arguments including irregularities in campaigning and the use of municipal resources. However, the public rapporteur has not recommended the annulment of the vote, finding the arguments unconvincing. The case has been taken under deliberation by the administrative court.