François Asselin spent ten years at the head of the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CPME), one of the main employers' union organizations. As his experience comes to an end and his successor will be known this Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the Thouarsais business leader looks back on the highlights of his two mandates.
It is, for you, the end of an adventure that we imagine to be rich…
François Asselin: “I had the immense honor of representing business leaders across the country. I was able to measure, in our French democracy, to what extent intermediary bodies matter. I think I have defended companies and entrepreneurs to the best of my ability, with my qualities and my limitations. Now it's time for me to hand over the reins. »
You limited the presidency to two consecutive terms. Don't you regret your choice?
” On the contrary. This is perhaps one of the best decisions I made at CPME. Ten years is already a good slice of life. I think it's a healthy decision, because it's extremely rewarding, exhilarating to be in these responsibilities, and to step into some of the highest places in the state, but it's also grueling. Above all, it does not belong to us. We must know how to let go of power and leave it to others, who will exercise it differently, just as well, or even, I hope, even better. I remain an entrepreneur, and ultimately, it’s my DNA. »
What were the strongest moments of your presidency?
“I spontaneously think of the crisis linked to Covid-19, and the announcement of confinement. Obviously, as a business leader and president of the CPME, we ask ourselves questions about the consequences of such a decision. You could feel the ground slipping away. And this is where Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy, understood that it was necessary to postpone the payment of charges to avoid chaos. This is where we say to ourselves that we are lucky to live in France.
François Asselin will now be able to concentrate solely on his Thouars business, in the spotlight having participated in the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris.
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The period of the Yellow Vests was also very hard. I remember feeling the anxiety of power. I found myself one morning in December 2018 at the Élysée with the number one social partners, the President of the Senate and that of the National Assembly. Everyone spoke out to try to get out of this crisis. »
Shouldn't the government take inspiration from the discussions you have between social partners to find a way out of the current crisis?
-“It’s true that we have had disagreements, but the dialogue has always been marked by mutual courtesy. I think that paritarianism is reaching a turning point in history. When resources are scarce, we must find solutions collectively, even if some are not pleasant for some. »
Do you also have any regrets during these ten years?
“Unfortunately, I think I haven't been able to reconcile the real world and the parallel world. Certain political decisions taken from Paris are disconnected from the field. Businesses need a stable environment to thrive. »
Three candidates are vying for the position. Will you speak out about who you want to see elected?
“There is no designated dolphin. There are three great candidates, I'll let the electorate decide. May the best win. »
Will you accompany the future president in his mission?
“I especially think that I will disappear discreetly. His task will be important, because if the world has changed a lot over the last ten years, it risks being turned upside down in the future as well…”
Three candidates to take over
The race to succeed François Asselin at the head of the CPME will decide between three candidates, following the vote on January 21, 2025, in an indirect ballot in which the representatives of the territorial unions and federations express themselves.
Thus, Alain Gargani (CEO of Atout Organization Science), Amir Reza-Tofighi (CEO of Vitalliance) and Gaëtan de Sainte Marie oppose each other.
