With three weeks to go until the first round of the 2026 municipal elections in Lyon, a critical debate is set to unfold among the four candidates: incumbent mayor Grégory Doucet from the Ecologists party, Jean-Michel Aulas from Cœur lyonnais, Alexandre Dupalais from UDR/RN, and Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi from LFI. This debate, facilitated by BFM-TV in partnership with Le Figaro, is expected to center around pressing issues facing the city, including public safety and local governance, especially in the wake of recent events.

The spotlight is currently on Anaïs Belouassa-Cherifi, who has been linked to the controversial group Jeune Garde. During the debate promotions, she confronted questions regarding her association with the group amidst public concern following the tragic death of Quentin Déranque. Belouassa-Cherifi expressed her commitment to anti-fascism while firmly condemning all acts of violence, positioning herself as a defender of civic rights in light of these developments and emphasizing that any associations with violence would not be tolerated.

As the candidates prepare for this crucial debate, the atmosphere in Lyon is charged with political tension, not solely because of the candidates' differing policies but also due to the emotional weight of Quentin's death. This incident has not only served as a catalyst for discussions about public safety and youth violence but has also ignited deeper concerns about city governance and community relations going into the election. The outcome of this debate may significantly influence voter opinions and the overall direction of Lyon's political landscape in the upcoming municipal elections.