French Political Tensions Escalate at MEDEF Conference
During a heated finale to a two-day conference organized by France’s largest employers’ association, MEDEF, political leaders clashed over the country’s financial direction, reports 24brussels.
During the event, Bardella accused the Macron administration of driving France to the brink of “bankruptcy,” while Bompard argued that dismantling Bayrou’s government was the only solution to “stop the chaos.”
Notably, Attal and Retailleau, both supporters of Bayrou’s government, expressed their discontent with the prime minister’s budget strategy. Retailleau, gaining traction in the polls, called for a “frank break” from existing policies, while Attal described Bayrou’s budget proposals as necessary, but far from “stunning.”
The debate intensified, prompting MEDEF head Patrick Martin to urge the audience, primarily composed of business leaders, to maintain decorum amid loud boos and cheers. The charged atmosphere highlighted deep divisions among politicians vying for influence and positioning themselves for potential snap parliamentary elections and the 2027 presidential vote.
Attacking each other’s positions, centrist Attal confronted far-right Bardella over inconsistencies regarding support for a wealth tax. Bardella countered by questioning Attal’s satisfaction with the current economic circumstances, which he claimed Attal’s party had a hand in shaping. Both Bardella and Retailleau, appealing to overlapping electorates, clashed over aspects of the European Green Deal.
