Ahead of a high-stakes address at the Medef employers' federation conference, Édouard Philippe, leader of the center-right Horizons party and former Prime Minister of France, has laid out an ambitious economic strategy targeting business owners and entrepreneurs. Positioned as a champion of supply-side economics and fiscal discipline, Philippe unveiled key proposals intended to stimulate work incentives, curb public expenditure, and support long-term corporate growth.

Central to Philippe's proposed reforms is a significant tightening of the welfare safety net. The presidential hopeful advocates capping the maximum duration of unemployment benefits to 12 months for jobseekers under the age of 50. Alongside this reduction, he targeted national sick leave policies, explicitly declaring an ambition to 'put an end to the open bar' regarding medically excused work absences. Philippe argues that stricter controls on absenteeism and reduced benefit timelines are essential to boosting labor force participation and restoring the nation's competitive edge.

To balance his hawkish stance on welfare spending, Philippe sought to reassure business leaders by defending key tax incentives designed to protect corporate stability. He specifically pledged to safeguard the Dutreil pact, a vital legal framework that grants substantial tax exemptions when family-owned businesses are transferred to the next generation. As national economic debates intensify, Philippe's proposals mark a clear attempt to consolidate support among business leaders, though his strict welfare cuts are expected to draw sharp criticism from labor unions and opposition parties.