The question of whether or not the employers will take a stand against the far right has become a recurring issue in recent national elections. With the dissolution of the government raising the risk of a majority for the National Rally party, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire called on French companies to express their views on the economic programs of different political parties. He urged organizations such as the CPME, Medef, and the French Association of Large Enterprises to clearly state their positions, describing the National Rally’s proposals as “Marxist.”
In response, the Medef issued a statement that was perhaps less explicit than the minister would have liked, expressing support for projects that promote economic reforms and European ambition while respecting social democracy. The organization also highlighted economic measures that it opposed, such as the proposal to lower the retirement age to 60 or 62, automatic indexing of salaries to inflation, nationalization of highways, banks, and strategic industries, and the exit from nuclear or wind energy. The idea of a joint statement among various business organizations, including the CPME and the Union of Local Businesses, was considered but ultimately abandoned.
The reluctance of some organizations to take a firm stance on the issue may be due to the fact that the National Rally party is more popular among small businesses, artisans, and independents than among large international corporations. The CPME, for instance, emphasized its priorities in a statement, including reforming public actions to limit the role of the public sector, maintaining supply-side policies with reductions in taxes and labor costs, and transitioning to a decarbonized economy. Despite these statements, no organization explicitly mentioned the National Rally or any other political party.
The issue of whether or not the business community will publicly oppose the far right presents challenges and complexities, particularly with differences in opinion among various business organizations. While some groups may be more inclined to support certain economic policies, there is a reluctance to explicitly target any specific political party. The upcoming elections and the potential for a shift in government could further complicate the stance of the business community on this issue.
Overall, the debate over the role of businesses in politics and their stance on the far right highlights the diverse perspectives within the business community and the complexities of balancing economic interests with political ideologies. As the election approaches and the political landscape evolves, the position of the employers in France on this issue may continue to be a topic of discussion and contention. Ultimately, the decisions made by business organizations regarding their involvement in political debates and their positions on different parties will have implications for the future direction of economic policies in the country.
