French Business Leaders Gather for La REF 2026, Demand Tax Cuts and Simpler Rules Ahead of Presidential Debate

France's leading employers' federation, Medef, has launched its annual summer university event, La REF 2026, at Paris's Roland-Garros stadium. The two-day gathering focuses on the theme of "courage" and brings together business leaders and political figures to discuss the nation's economic future.

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The main highlight of La REF 2026 will be the first presidential debate of the 2027 election, organized at the conclusion of the event on Thursday afternoon.

Medef President Patrick Martin delivered the opening address, setting the stage for discussions on critical issues facing French businesses. A significant survey of 66,000 business leaders, conducted by OpinionWay for Medef, revealed pressing concerns. Taxation and excessive charges were cited by 79% of respondents as a major daily difficulty, followed by administrative burdens at 59%. Frequent changes in fiscal, social, and environmental regulations also troubled 50% of those surveyed, while 49% expressed uncertainty about the economic outlook.

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The level of taxes and charges is cited by 79% of respondents, ahead of the weight of administrative procedures (59%).

In response to these challenges, the business community has outlined five key expectations for the next presidential term. These include reducing taxes and charges, boosting industrialization, simplifying administrative procedures, cutting public debt and spending, and ensuring stability in fiscal and social rules. These demands underscore the significant pressure business leaders are placing on candidates vying for the presidency.

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Reduce taxation and charges, reindustrialize the country, simplify administrative norms and procedures, reduce public debt and spending, and finally, stabilize tax and social rules.

The event's program includes various debates and roundtables. A notable session will feature Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, and former Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire discussing "Consensus or Courage." The highlight of La REF 2026 is scheduled for Thursday afternoon: the first presidential debate of the 2027 election campaign. Seven prominent candidates, including Gabriel Attal, Raphaël Glucksmann, Marine Le Pen, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Édouard Philippe, Bruno Retailleau, and Marine Tondelier, will face scrutiny from five small and medium-sized enterprise leaders.

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The president of Medef Patrick Martin will deliver the opening speech of La REF 2026.