"While some argue, we act": Grégory Doucet's scathing response to Jean-Michel Aulas

He had not yet expressed himself clearly on this subject, but on Friday July 4, the Green mayor of Lyon, Grégory Doucet, chose to speak out and "reestablish the facts." On his Instagram post, the mayor is clear: "Ecology, there are those who talk about it and there are those who do it." Without ever naming him, Grégory Doucet responds to Jean-Michel Aulas, whose announcement of his potential candidacy in the municipal elections was postponed , and to the numerous attacks targeting the record of the City Hall.

"For several days, I have been hearing lie after lie. According to some, environmentalists have become responsible for global warming. This reversal of reality reflects a worrying political cynicism. It is time to set the record straight," writes Grégory Doucet. The lengthy publication by the mayor of Lyon allows him to take stock of his term in office. "And if we took our responsibilities in 2020, it is precisely because we listened to the scientists, who have been warning us for years. For five years, our action has been clear: to protect the people of Lyon, especially the most vulnerable, to allow everyone to continue to live with dignity in the city."

While Jean-Michel Aulas accused environmentalists of "concreting" Lyon , the mayor recalled that since 2020, "14 hectares have been reclaimed from the asphalt, 11,800 trees planted, 129 streets planted, 54 orchards created," he added. He also specified that 750 cool places have now been identified in Lyon and that the municipality is continuing the renovation of its 78 fountains and 19 ponds. "This is only the beginning," he always promises.

Read also: Concreting of Lyon: Bernard responds to Aulas, "candidate who talks nonsense"

Another point of tension noted during the heat wave that hit Lyon this week: public buildings, "60%" of which are said to be thermal sieves , writes the mayor. "This is why 400 million euros are being invested in the thermal and energy renovation of our facilities." He adds: "Since 2020, we have invested nearly 10,000 euros per student. A third of Lyon's schools will be renovated by 2026. 79 school and nursery playgrounds have been transformed to provide more shade and freshness."

At the same time, "90 million euros have also been invested in sports facilities," particularly for municipal and natural swimming pools. The City Hall has also put 36 million euros on the table to allow the most vulnerable, particularly in nursing homes, to benefit from a little fresh air.

"While some argue, we act. While others comment, we transform," Grégory Doucet continues. He concludes: "We assume our responsibility every day in the face of the climate emergency."

Read also: Renovated and cleaned, the Duchère swimming pool will reopen on July 7