French Presidential Candidates Fail to Convince Business Leaders at REF 2026

Seven candidates vying for the 2027 French presidency faced off at the REF 2026 event, but their performance left business leaders more concerned than reassured. The debate, hosted by Medef at Roland-Garros, featured prominent figures including Gabriel Attal, Marine Tondelier, Édouard Philippe, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Raphaël Glucksmann, Marine Le Pen, and Bruno Retailleau.

Despite three hours of intense discussion covering critical issues like the retirement system, public debt, and corporate taxation, the outcome was largely seen as a letdown by the assembled business owners. They had gathered in anticipation of clear policy proposals and decisive leadership.

"They are good at commenting on reality, but not at taking concrete measures. When you are a business leader, you make decisions every day. We leave this debate no less worried than before," stated Jean-Claude Lafrasse, head of a commercial vehicle distribution company. This sentiment echoed the general disappointment among attendees who had hoped for actionable plans to address France's economic challenges.

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They are good at commenting on reality, but not at taking concrete measures. When you are a business leader, you make decisions every day. We leave this debate no less worried than before.