While our country is burdened with some of the heaviest taxes in the world, the debate has resurfaced with the introduction of new tax measures aimed at closing a budget gap that remains, despite everything, €150 billion in deficit.

The statements made by major business leaders and their representatives have fueled a controversy that benefits 24-hour news channels, turning the media landscape into a modern-day gladiator arena.

We are witnessing yet another artificial opposition: those who strive to create wealth versus those who would lose their jobs if a company were to relocate. In a country where the economic model is largely based on redistribution, we must remember that taxation can only be applied to wealth that has actually been generated.

A Flawed System That Fails to Meet Essential Needs

Is our current model still relevant when even the most fundamental needs remain unmet? Security is failing, justice is too slow, hospitals are on the brink of collapse, and the education system is deteriorating.

Are we not being distracted by a fabricated opposition to hide the real culprits? Those who conceal their mismanagement of public funds and their lack of political courage to stop shifting the financial burden onto future generations.

Let’s put an end to the caricature of a heartless, stateless executive who lays off employees without remorse for the sake of financial calculations. For SME owners, who form the backbone of our economy—even more so in our hospitality sector—sitting across from an employee to part ways is a deeply human ordeal, dictated more by economic realities than by any greedy pursuit of profit.

All economic players face difficult choices, regardless of their decision-making level. When the business environment becomes unfavorable, when operating conditions become unbearable, and when uncertainty is the only foreseeable future, is it really surprising that relocation becomes an option?

The comparison may seem bold, but have we ever seen starving animals remain on a dried-out plain when greener pastures are just across the savanna? Migration for survival and growth is part of nature.

A Political Disconnect from Economic Realities

Our politicians, regardless of their party affiliation, have a rather vague understanding of the KPIs that business leaders must monitor constantly. They see taxable revenue where business owners see investment potential.

Our sector, a major employer of labor, is the first to suffer from rising labor costs. Yet, it has already absorbed a 20% increase in wage expenses. Does that mean it should be tested even further?

No one criticizes Kylian Mbappé for scoring goals, Léon Marchand for winning medals, or Teddy Riner for dominating his sport. But in the name of equality, political ideology would have us tie the footballer’s shoelaces together, weigh down the swimmer’s ankles, or block one of the judoka’s arms.

Absurd? Yet, this is precisely what is happening to leaders in industry and commerce.

Restrict or Empower? The Real Question

The real question is: should we empower economic players and encourage their success, or should we weaken them further to plug the holes in a failing budget?

We are fortunate to have world-class hospitality companies that can showcase French brands on the international stage. But to achieve this, they must be allowed to generate the necessary profits to fund expansion.

The global competition is fierce. While our competitors accelerate, we are among the only ones hitting the brakes.

Do we really have any doubt about the goal of the race and the position we want to hold in it?

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