Social and Solidarity Economy Seeks Influence in 2026 Municipal Elections in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

As the 2026 municipal and intercommunal elections approach in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the regional chamber of social and solidarity economy (CRESS) is intensifying efforts to engage political candidates with the model of the social and solidarity economy (ESS). Co-president Nicolas Planchon highlighted that ESS employs 2.5 million people and contributes 10% of France’s GDP, positioning it as a crucial player in addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges.

In an initiative to raise awareness, CRESS has sent invitations to all political parties to meet and discuss how ESS can support issues such as rural development, energy transition, access to healthcare, sustainable agriculture, urban revitalization, mobility, digital inclusion, and housing. Planchon stressed that ESS is often misunderstood and mistakenly viewed as heavily dependent on public aid; it actually receives less than €20 billion annually in public support.

Facing new funding uncertainties, including the cancellation of regional subsidies and potential budget cuts in the upcoming 2026 finance bill, ESS aims to strengthen and diversify its economic models. To support this, CRESS has partnered with the Lyon Bar Association to offer legal workshops designed to help ESS organizations avoid difficulties. The first such workshop has already taken place, marking a practical step toward reinforcing the sector.

This active engagement during the election period reflects ESS’s ambition to gain greater recognition and political support to sustain and grow its contributions to regional economies and social cohesion.