André Manoukian who replaces Grégory Doucet, the mayor of Lyon. The ad could be confusing. Let’s be clear: the musician, who became known to the general public during the TV hook In search of the New Star, is not going to take control of the Town Hall. On the other hand, he was appointed by the Fourvière Foundation to present the golden shield during the traditional religious ceremony of the vow of the aldermen, which will take place this Thursday. A role that usually falls to the mayor of Lyon.
But Grégory Doucet, faithful to his convictions and fervent defender of secularism, has boycotted the mass celebrated on the heights of Fourvière for two years, as Edouard Herriot did in his time. Unsurprisingly, the elected ecologist let it be known that he would not fill the ranks of the basilica this year.
André Manoukian “honored”
The tradition dates back to 1643. Every September 8, the notables of the city go to Fourvière. The mayor is responsible for giving the Archbishop of Lyon a golden crown to thank the Virgin Mary for having saved the city from the plague. In exchange, the prelate blesses the city while three cannon shots are fired.
“Dédé”, a native of Lyon, was delighted to accomplish this mission in place of Grégory Doucet. “I who was born on the other hill, the one who shouts [Croix-Rousse], I am honored to represent a gesture that comes from afar, he slips. I take it as a symbol of union. Basically, when you dig a little into words, maybe men are
much more connected than it seems. »