Gérard Collomb, a key political figure in the city of Lyon, died on Saturday evening at the age of 76. Former mayor and former Minister of the Interior, he left his mark on the French political scene but also on the capital of Gaul.
Born on June 20, 1947 in Chalon-sur-Saône, Gérard Collomb came from a modest background. He rose through the political ranks over the years, becoming mayor of Lyon in 2001 with the support of Raymond Barre. He held this position for nearly 16 years, transforming the city with ambitious projects such as the development of the banks of the Rhône and the Saône, the construction of the La Confluence eco-district and the creation of the Confluences museum.
However, it was his role as supporter and architect of Emmanuel Macron’s victory in 2017 that earned him national fame. He held the position of Minister of the Interior in the first Macron government, before resigning resoundingly in 2018. Weakened politically by the Benalla affair, but also in disagreement with the policy pursued by Macron, Gérard Collomb made the choice to return to Lyon and devote himself to his mandate as mayor.
Beyond his political career, Gérard Collomb had a personality that left no one indifferent. Renowned for his sense of dialogue and imagination, he knew how to embody republican ascension and authority. However, he has also been criticized, particularly on the left, for his positions sometimes considered right-wing, particularly in the area of the fight against terrorism and asylum/immigration.
With his disappearance, a page in the political history of Lyon turns. Gérard Collomb will be remembered as a committed and visionary politician who had a profound impact on his city. His legacy is reflected in the urban projects that transformed Lyon and in the passion he aroused among the people of Lyon.
Lyon politics will now have to face a void left by his disappearance. Tributes are pouring in from all sides to salute the memory of this statesman, whose contribution to French political life will not be forgotten. Whether through the achievements he made or the debates he sparked, Gérard Collomb left his mark and leaves behind a strong political legacy.
Beyond political divisions, his death echoes that of a man who dedicated his life to the service of the City of Lyon and France. Let us remember Gérard Collomb as a man passionate and devoted to public affairs, whose commitment will remain engraved in the history of our country.