Three vie for leadership of France’s second largest employers’ group
The race to succeed François Asselin as head of the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises (CPME) is heating up in Paris. Asselin, who has led the organization for the past decade, will step down on January 21, 2025, prompting an intense competition among three well-qualified candidates.
The candidate nominations were finalized on September 18, kicking off a campaign that will culminate in a single-round election. While the vote itself is indirect, with professional member organizations and regional CPME structures casting their ballots, the intensity of the campaign is unmistakable.
Campaign Takes Shape: Favorable Winds for Reza-Tofighi?
More than halfway through the campaign, alliances and endorsements are solidifying, painting a clearer picture of the power dynamics at play.
Amir Reza-Tofighi, a barely forty-year-old entrepreneur and co-founder of the VTC Heetch platform, seems to be leading the pack at this stage. His campaign has garnered strong support from influential quarters, including the French Building Federation, a heavyweight organization whose last two presidents ascended from its ranks.
Reza-Tofighi’s robust support network extends beyond the Building Federation. Several other key players, such as Prism’Emploi (interim), the Federation of cleaning companies, the Federation of bakery entrepreneurs, and the Union of textile industries, have publicly pledged their allegiance. In addition, several territorial organizations have also thrown their weight behind him.
While Reza-Tofighi enjoys a significant lead at this juncture, the battle is far from over.
Alain Gargani: The Territorial Challenger
Alain Gargani, 59, chairs CPME Paca and serves as a regional advisor alongside Renaud Muselier (Renaissance), positioning him as a strong contender with a distinctly territorial profile. Sources suggest that Gargani’s focus on regional interests is resonating with certain segments of the CPME electorate.
Gaëtan de Sainte Marie: Unity as a Campaign Message
Gaëtan de Sainte Marie, a Lyon native who heads Qantis, a purchasing center for SMEs, holds the post of vice-president of the CPME du Rhône. “Many presidents of federations and departmental and regional CPMEs do not wish to publicly display their support for this or that candidate with the prospect of a unified CPME after the election,” de Sainte Marie asserts.
His emphasis on unity and a desire to bridge divides within the organization could sway undecided voters.
A Single-Round Election: No Guarantees in a Close Contest
The election outcome hinges on a single round. Should all three candidates persist until voting day, the contender with the highest number of votes will win the presidency—even without achieving a majority.
The upcoming decision by the influential metallurgical federation could prove to be decisive. Industry observers anticipate a period of brisk activity in the coming days as the candidates make their final pushes to secure crucial endorsements.
Who are the candidates running for leadership of the CPME?
## A Look Inside the CPME Leadership Race
**Host:** Joining us today to discuss the upcoming leadership election for France’s second largest employers’ group, the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises, or CPME, is [Guest Name], a leading expert in French labor market trends. Welcome to the program.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** So, tell us, the race to succeed François Asselin seems to be heating up. What are your impressions of the candidates so far?
**Guest:** It’s certainly a tight race. Three well-qualified individuals are vying for the position. While all of them bring their unique strengths to the table, Amir Reza-Tofighi, the young entrepreneur and co-founder of the Heetch platform, appears to be making waves. He’s garnered some impressive endorsements, including crucial backing from the influential French Building Federation.
**Host:** That’s interesting. Early support from powerful organizations like the Building Federation can be a real game-changer.
**Guest:** Absolutely. And Reza-Tofighi’s support network extends beyond that. It seems he’s cultivated alliances with other key players in the business landscape, like Prism’Emploi (interim) and the Federation of cleaning companies.
**Host:** What about the other two candidates?
**Guest:** [Guest discusses the other two candidates, their backgrounds and main campaign points.]
**Host:** What implications could this election have for the CPME and its members?
**Guest:** This election comes at a critical juncture for French SMEs. [Guest discusses the challenges facing SMEs in France and how the different candidates’ platforms may address those challenges.]
**Host:** This is certainly a race to keep an eye on. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today, [Guest Name].
**Guest:** My pleasure.
