the largest French companies warn of a “major risk” of “sustainable decline” in the economy

Big bosses call on political parties to “budgetary responsibility”. L’French Association of Private Enterprises (Afep)which brings together the 117 largest French companies, warned on Monday June 17 of the economic impact that could occur depending on the outcome of the early legislative elections. “The major risk is that of the lasting decline of the French and European economies, which the temptations of international isolation and budgetary headlong rush would only reinforce”she believes, without naming parties.

Before the votes of June 30 and July 7, Afep, which brings together companies like TotalEnergies, Société Générale, Airbus and Danone, judges “essential” to defend “stability”, “protecting the confidence of those who undertake”, “the continuation of mobilization in favor of work”, “the openness which alone allows French excellence to be showcased” And “deepening the transformation of public services”.

Afep, chaired since June 2023 by Patricia Barbizet, reports that its companies employ 12% of employees in the private sector, representing 15% of France’s market GDP. They pay 20% of compulsory levies on businesses in France.