Yvon Grosso (President of Medef) and Honoré Ghetti (President of the CGPME), the pair leading UPE 06, presented their best wishes and highlighted some key moments of the activity in 2013 and the 2014 agenda as part of a new term of office.
People expected the litany of complaints and demands from the business world towards a “government lacking direction in economic policy, hindering growth and improvising by falling into the frenzy of business taxation.” Of course, there was a bit of that, as well as the anthem for the freedom to undertake.
Moreover, Yvon Grosso did not hesitate to use strong words: 2013 Annus horribilis. On the other hand, a cautious optimism is anticipated for 2014. An initial effect of the announced “responsibility pact” might open the door to trust in the future (provided it is accompanied by swift action)?
Will 2014 be an … annus mirabilis?
Yes, Yvon Grosso and Honoré Ghetti, along with UPE 06, think in unison, while continuing mobilization. And, if it is a force for proposal, it can also, when necessary, be a force for opposition.
Furthermore, the novelty is not without brilliance and is rich in potential. In line with various spontaneous movements that have made headlines recently in Europe (just think of Beppe Grillo in Italy), the UPE 06 is positioned for the modernization of the country and against the “dominating elite.”
But here’s the surprise, the criticism towards the political world is blunt with classic parties, both right and left, charged with the same accusation of ignoring, for opposing ideological reasons and to maintain “social peace,” the demands of the business world by not having clear-cut policies!
So, what next? Well, Yvon Grosso is firm in his conviction: “The solution lies with the business” and calls for the “entrepreneurial civil society. The company is not a political issue; it is one of the most precious assets for our country. So let us believe in the many opportunities to seize. We must prefer real action, the kind that defies fate because we, the patriots of the economy, believe in boldness, courage, and the power of example.”
Honoré Ghetti pushes the envelope even further: “with the law that will prohibit holding multiple offices, by 2017 there will be parliamentary seats to fill. We must prepare. It is intolerable that in five years (2007-2012), none of the fourteen elected officials in the department proposed an economic law favoring businesses.”
Will anti-politics take precedence over the traditional alliance with the right in the name of economic liberalism? Future candidates for parliament, raise your hands!
For now, an appointment is set with Denis Payre, founder of the “Nous Citoyens” movement, to spread his gospel in the Azur region.
Apparently, there are already a few converts ready to carry it forward!
