French employer federation demands economic focus ahead of 2027 presidential vote

Campaign debate priorities

With less than eight months remaining before the 2027 presidential election in France, the president of the employer federation Les Entrepreneurs, Amir Reza-Tofighi, called for economic policy to become a core focus of the campaign. Speaking in an interview published on Saturday, 22 August, in La Tribune Dimanche, Reza-Tofighi expressed concern that political candidates have already entered the race without giving sufficient attention to economic strategies. The business federation, which previously operated under the name CPME, represents small and medium-sized enterprises across the country. To fill the perceived policy gap in the upcoming election campaign, the organization is launching a nationwide tour across France to gather feedback and draft concrete economic proposals for the contenders.

The economic topic must be a central angle of the presidential debates. They are on the starting line, but very few talk about the economy.

Economic growth and wage conditions

The employer federation identified restoring business growth as the immediate task facing the French economy. France recorded gross domestic product growth of 0.2% in the second quarter, constrained by the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East and an accompanying spike in fuel prices. Reza-Tofighi argued that stronger economic expansion is required to give companies the resources needed to raise employee compensation. In addition, higher growth remains necessary to finance future investments and reduce the overall national debt burden.

Tax policy and payroll contributions represent another key area of concern for the federation. Reza-Tofighi stated that working individuals are being penalized because businesses lack the financial margin to pay higher salaries. Under the current framework, heavy corporate tax burdens combined with high social charges on wages restrict the ability of employers to distribute additional earnings to active workers.

Fiscal discipline and public finances

The management of public finances forms a central pillar of the federation's campaign platform. Reza-Tofighi warned that France risks entering a severe economic crisis if interest rates and government debt levels continue to climb. The business representative criticized political campaign rhetoric that assumes endless public spending without fiscal backing.

By making people believe that magic money exists, we have entered a situation where all candidates hope to win by making new promises that will not be financially realistic.

Demands for the 2027 budget

Looking ahead to the next legislative cycle, Reza-Tofighi formulated explicit expectations for the 2027 state budget. The federation demands total regulatory and fiscal stability for companies to allow long-term business planning. In particular, the organization set a strict requirement that the government must not increase social security contributions for either employees or employers. In the same published interview, Reza-Tofighi disclosed that he has been diagnosed with cancer, while confirming that he will continue to serve in his leadership role as president of Les Entrepreneurs.