Jean-Michel Aulas

Jean-Michel Aulas is the former, long-time president of the Olympique Lyonnais (OL) football club. He is a well-known figure in Lyon and French football. He recently ran for mayor of Lyon in the 2026 municipal elections, representing a coalition of right-wing and Macron-supporting parties. The news focuses on his defeat in the second round of the election to incumbent mayor Grégory Doucet of the EELV (Europe Ecology – The Greens) party. Despite a tense campaign and some polls suggesting a closer race, Doucet secured reelection with approximately 53% of the vote, while Aulas received around 47%. Aulas's entry into the mayoral race and subsequent loss are significant because they represent a challenge to the incumbent green party and a shift in the political landscape of Lyon, though ultimately unsuccessful.