According to the president, it is “the Cannes festival of nominations; every morning brings a new one,” as he criticizes “the short amount of time” politicians are given.
Michel Picon in Paris, October 16, 2023. (POOL / MIGUEL MEDINA)
Michel Picon, the president of the Union of Local Businesses (U2P), stated on Monday, August 19, that if politicians cannot agree on a Prime Minister for France, they will need to seek a candidate from the trade union or business sectors. He specifically praised Renault president Jean-Dominique Senard for his potential to fulfill this role.
He expressed his concerns on RMC, saying it is
“the Cannes festival of nominations; every morning brings a new one.”
He contrasted the behavior of politicians, who argue as they transition from one election to another, with the daily actions of social partners: “When the representatives of the employers and employees enter a meeting, they rarely agree on everything, often tend to disagree on most points, yet by the time they leave, they have reached an agreement.”
“We call on politicians to adopt this approach,” he urged, adding, ”
if they are unsuccessful, they should seek out leaders in the world of trade unions or business.”
He then mentioned Jean-Dominique Senard as a leader who possesses the necessary capabilities, noting that he is known as a “social” boss with experience in companies such as Total, Saint-Gobain, Pechiney, and Michelin.
Michel Picon also pointed out Sophie Thiéry, the president of the Work and Employment Commission of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (Cese), “who comes from the CFDT.”
A “wait-and-see” attitude impacting the economy
Last year, Jean-Dominique Senard and Sophie Thiéry served as guarantors for the Assises du travail and presented a summary report to former Minister of Labour Olivier Dussopt, which “inspires us all on several aspects regarding the quality of life at work, aiming to place work back at the center of national concerns,” said Michel Picon.
The president of the third representative employers’ organization expressed his impatience to see a new tenant appointed to Matignon because
in the meantime, companies are “not placing orders” and “not hiring.”
He indicated that this “wait-and-see” attitude is particularly burdensome for sectors such as construction, which are uncertain about whether the next government will continue its renovation aid programs (such as MaPrimRénov) and its support for apprenticeships.
He also reminded his audience that for the small business owners in the U2P, the proposal from the New Popular Front to raise the minimum wage to 1,600 euros per month is “fatal”:
“If we change the minimum wage, we will need to adjust all salaries.”
The Cannes Festival of Nominations: A Critical Look at France’s Political Landscape
Michel Picon in Paris, October 16, 2023. (POOL / MIGUEL MEDINA)
Political Instability and the Search for Leadership
In an alarming observation, Michel Picon, the president of the Union of Local Businesses (U2P), articulated the pressing concern regarding France’s leadership vacuum. Speaking on RMC, he lamented the chaotic nature of political nominations, drawing a parallel to the renowned Cannes film festival. “It is ‘The Cannes Festival of nominations, every morning there is a new one’,” he stated, reflecting on the rapid-fire changes in potential candidates for Prime Minister.
As political factions struggle to form a consensus on a Prime Minister, Picon expressed the need to look beyond traditional political circles. He praised the capabilities of Renault’s president, Jean-Dominique Senard, emphasizing the potential for business leaders to step in during these tumultuous times. This shift suggests a significant realignment in how leadership might be approached in France, potentially welcoming figures from the corporate realm.
The Urgency for Collaboration Amidst Political Fragmentation
Picon highlighted the contrast between political discord and the cooperative dynamics observed among social partners. He stated, “When (…) the representatives of the employer and employees (…) come into a meeting, they rarely agree on everything, and even tend to agree on nothing, and when they leave, they have reached an agreement.” This cooperation among social partners stands in stark contrast to politicians’ infighting, which is heightened by the pressure of rapidly approaching elections.
Call for Political Accountability
Picon urged politicians to embrace similar collaborative approaches, suggesting that if they are unable to reach a consensus, they should consider sourcing leadership from the worlds of business or unionism. He cited well-regarded figures like Sophie Thiéry, the president of the Work and Employment Commission of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (Cese), and her experience within the CFDT as examples of credible candidates.
Economic Implications of Political Uncertainty
As discussions about leadership linger, the economic implications become increasingly dire. Picon underscored the detrimental impact of a “wait-and-see” attitude on businesses. He noted that companies are currently refraining from placing orders and hiring new employees due to the uncertainty surrounding government policies.
Key Sectors Affected
- Construction: Companies are uncertain whether government support for renovation projects like MaPrimRénov will continue.
- Labor Market: Recruitment strategies are stalled, with businesses hesitant to expand their workforce in the political vacuum.
- Minimum Wage Concerns: The proposal from the New Popular Front to increase the minimum wage to €1,600 per month has been described as “deadly” for small businesses, with potential ripple effects on salary structures.
A Look at Leadership Candidates
| Candidate Name | Current Position | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Jean-Dominique Senard | President of Renault | Respected for his social leadership and experience with major corporations like Total and Michelin. |
| Sophie Thiéry | President of Work and Employment Commission, Cese | Came from the CFDT, experienced in labor relations. |
Practical Tips for Business Owners During Political Instability
- Maintain Flexibility: Adapt your business strategies to remain agile in the face of changing policies.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with political developments and their potential implications on your sector.
- Engage with Local Leaders: Build relationships with community and business leaders to share insights and collaborate on solutions.
The Role of Business Leaders in Politics
The dialogue around the potential for business leaders to enter political roles raises several questions about the intersection of business acumen and governance. The business community can offer innovative solutions to traditional governance problems, and successful business figures may possess the managerial skills necessary for effective leadership.
Picon’s suggestion that we might need to seek out a “recognized boss” for leadership positions underscores a growing trend where the lines between business and politics blur. As the landscape continues to shift, leaders in both arenas must find common ground and work collaboratively to address the challenges facing France today.
Conclusion: The Future of Governance in France
The ongoing challenges within French politics and the quest for a stable Prime Minister underscore significant transformations that may be on the horizon. As political leaders face mounting pressure to deliver results, the role of business leaders as potential political figures may reshape the traditional narratives of leadership in a rapidly evolving society.
