Seven Presidential Aspirants Debate Economic Future at Medef Event

Seven potential candidates for the 2027 French presidential election gathered on Thursday at the Philippe-Chatrier court of Roland-Garros for a debate organized by the Medef, France's primary employers' organization. The participants included Marine Le Pen, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Bruno Retailleau, Raphaël Glucksmann, Marine Tondelier, Gabriel Attal, and Édouard Philippe. The discussion focused on the economic future of France, specifically addressing debt, pensions, taxation, and the cost of labor. Jean-Luc Mélenchon advocated for increasing salaries and the minimum wage to avoid recession. Marine Le Pen proposed a 125 billion euro savings plan and a reduction in France's net contribution to the EU. Bruno Retailleau called for the abolition of 40 billion euros in social contributions. Gabriel Attal suggested applying the accelerated reconstruction rules used for Notre-Dame to the rest of the country, while Édouard Philippe emphasized budget discipline and the need to work longer to preserve the social model. Raphaël Glucksmann proposed higher inheritance taxes and an ecological transition, and Marine Tondelier emphasized adaptation to climate change. Several candidates referenced Germany as a point of comparison regarding youth unemployment, labor costs, and union roles. Center-left sources framed the event as a struggle over the country's economic course and migration, while center sources focused on the specific proposals and the expectations of the business community.