Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi: Key Proposals for Lyon’s 2026 Mayoral Race

As Lyon approaches its municipal elections, candidate Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi is focusing her campaign on addressing the everyday concerns of residents. Speaking to the press on January 23rd, the deputy outlined proposals aimed at providing concrete solutions to local problems, a strategy she believes will resonate with voters.

Focus on Social Issues and Concrete Proposals

Belouassa-Cherifi is positioning herself as a pragmatic alternative to other candidates, criticizing what she calls “demagogic” proposals from frontrunner Jean-Michel Aulas and accusing the current administration, led by Grégory Doucet, of neglecting social issues. She asserts that her campaign is building on ideological ground already gained, with issues like free school lunches and affordable housing now central to the debate.

Expanding Access to Childcare and School Meals

A key component of Belouassa-Cherifi’s platform is the expansion of free school lunches and the provision of breakfast for children. She proposes returning the management of these programs to public control, establishing three central kitchens – including an existing facility in Rillieux-la-Pape and two new locations. She believes ending the current contract with Elior could yield savings of 15 to 20 percent, allowing for better quality food and the creation of 100 to 125 new full-time equivalent positions.

Beyond school meals, Belouassa-Cherifi is committed to creating 1,000 new childcare spaces by 2032, a project estimated to cost 20 million euros overall, with annual operating costs of 2.3 million euros. She plans to pursue agreements with companies to utilize vacant office space, particularly in business districts like Part-Dieu (3rd arrondissement). She will soon detail her plans for staffing these new facilities, acknowledging an aging workforce in the sector.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

While Aulas proposes a “charter for rent moderation,” Belouassa-Cherifi is advocating for the requisition of vacant properties to house the homeless. She claims that 2,000 properties in the Lyon area have been unoccupied for over two years and believes agreements with owners could facilitate this process. She also emphasizes the need to increase staffing within the city’s heritage department to accurately assess available municipal land.

Belouassa-Cherifi has stated she will not allow Jean-Michel Aulas to become mayor, emphasizing the historical tendency of left-leaning parties to unite to prevent a right-wing victory. She anticipates that issues of housing and security will be crucial in any potential second-round alliance. She is calling for a moratorium on surveillance cameras, favoring community policing as a more effective approach to addressing safety concerns, particularly in areas like the États-Unis neighborhood (8th arrondissement).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi’s current level of support?

According to current polling data, Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi is credited with 9% of the vote in the first round of the upcoming municipal elections.

What is Belouassa-Cherifi’s position on the current administration’s environmental policies?

Belouassa-Cherifi believes the current administration, led by Grégory Doucet, initially overlooked social issues but is now attempting to address them, stating, “They realize they need to return to the left.”

What is Belouassa-Cherifi’s plan for addressing vacant housing in Lyon?

Belouassa-Cherifi proposes requisitioning properties that have been vacant for more than two years, seeking agreements with owners to house the homeless.

Will Lyon voters respond to a campaign focused on practical solutions and a clear rejection of both the current administration and the leading opposition candidate?