Employers and Far-Right Alliances: Re-emergence of Potentially Harmful Ties

In the political landscape of France, a stir has been caused by the upcoming release of journalist Laurent Mauduit's investigative book, "Collaborations". Due for release on September 11, the book delves into the potential growing acceptance of the far right among some business leaders in France.

Mauduit, co-founder of Mediapart and an insider in the world of business, believes today's French bosses are as panicked as they were in 1936 at the idea of the left regaining power. His book suggests a potential similarity between the current political climate in France and the period leading up to the Vichy regime.

The term "Collaborations" is used deliberately by Mauduit, referring to the dark days of Vichy. The book alleges a comeback of the Committee of Forges, a powerful early 20th-century business syndicate, in the discreet circles of big business in France.

One of the most significant revelations in the book is the dining encounter between Henri Proglio, former EDF CEO, and Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, in a posh Parisian restaurant, Chez Laurent, in the winter of 2023. This act, no other major French boss had previously dared to do, is seen as a sign of increasing connections between business leaders and the far right in France.

Proglio states that he is like other CEOs in having contacts with Marine Le Pen, but not admitting it. He is not alone in this, according to Mauduit, as many well-known CEOs in France have had contacts with Marine Le Pen, but they do not admit it.

Until the winter of 2023, only Vincent Bolloré and Pierre-Édouard Stern openly admitted to a far-right political agenda. However, Mauduit's book implies that this is no longer the case.

Marine Le Pen invited Henri Proglio to dine with her, and Proglio's actions indicate a potential shift in the political stance of some business leaders in France. This shift, if true, could bring the far right closer to power in France than ever before.

Despite the lack of verified public information about corporate leaders who had undisclosed contacts with Marine Le Pen in the winter of 2023/2024, Mauduit's book provides a chilling reminder of history repeating itself and the class reflex being the same. The actions of Proglio suggest a possible growing acceptance of the far right among some business leaders in France, a trend that Mauduit warns could have dire consequences.

As we approach the release of "Collaborations", the French public and political landscape will be watching closely to see if Mauduit's allegations hold water and what impact they may have on the upcoming political landscape.