A deteriorating economic situation, heavy tax and social constraints weighing on the shoulders of businesses—this is the assessment Yvon Grosso presented during his New Year’s wishes. However, a slightly less ordinary piece of news: he will be a candidate for his own succession in the upcoming election of the new term in June 2016.
The reassuring and vigilant presence of Honoré Ghetti, the president of CGPME who, along with Medef, forms the representation of local employers, has all the hallmarks of an endorsement, making the outcome seem like a foregone conclusion.
That being said, Yvon Grosso did not hold back his criticism of government policy. According to him, the social and fiscal measures adopted are not compatible with the economic situation. The refrain remains the same: insufficient reduction of public expenditure, too many taxes and charges for businesses.
He seems to be satisfied only with the recent agreement between social partners that reformed the labor code towards simplification and flexicurity.
Locally, the industrial fabric remains fragile, and the department’s economy is still largely dependent on the tourism and real estate sectors.
There is hope that the closure of Texas Instruments may allow for the conversion of the site into entrepreneurial initiatives, as the start of the industrial part of the National Interest Operation in the Var plain is awaited, although the presence of the Sophia-Antipolis Technopole might constitute more of a competitive element than a synergy (Off the record, it is whispered that a poaching action of certain companies is underway by offering better conditions.)
Finally, regarding the territory’s attractiveness, which remains the main axis of any development, it remains reliant on two traditional pillars: the international airport and the quality of life—necessary but not sufficient conditions to attract international investors.
However, the UPE, which will celebrate 40 years of activity in October, does not want to remain inactive, and on January 30, the launch of an Investment Fund reaching 10 million euros will take place, providing valuable support for companies with insufficient capitalization and in need of a financial partner to also assist them in strategic management.
There also remains the traditional and very busy calendar of events moving towards transcending corporatism and aiming to act together to defend the interest of the businesses.
