Véronique Maurel intends to weigh in on upcoming elections

It was a combative speech delivered by Véronique Maurel, president of the Union Patronale du Var. The goal is to mobilize the troops after a year 2025 marked by intense social and fiscal unrest.

UNION REAWAKENING

While 2025 had been announced as a 'combative' year, reality exceeded expectations. The president of the UPV noted a true 'union awakening' in the face of a democratic crisis and national budgetary tensions: "I deplore that businesses were treated as budget adjustment variables, a situation described as 'tax bludgeoning' which led to the mobilization on December 9." Despite field discussions with parliamentarians, the observation remains bitter for the president of the UPV. The leader added: "How can their pro-business stance be explained when, once in Paris, no consensus is found?" Véronique Maurel also questioned this, pointing to a 'Parisian effect' or group discipline that dilutes local demands in the Assemblée nationale. Facing this reality, the Union Patronale intends to bring all its weight to bear on upcoming elections. "As you can imagine, we will pay close attention to the economic topics addressed during future elections. Business owners, like their employees, are also voters. Let's take advantage of these elections to shift the lines," she insisted further. The organization calls on business owners to overcome their natural reserve to mobilize more, following the example of federations such as BTP 83 or UPE 06.

AUTONOMY STRATEGY

For the current year, the UPV is shifting gears with a resolutely proactive philosophy: to no longer wait for solutions to come from above. "We can no longer recruit? We'll take care of it. We can't train? We'll take care of it. We can't hand over our businesses? We'll take care of it," the president assured. This determination is reflected in the immediate launch of four thematic working committees: Employment, training and recruitment; Defense, interference and strategic resources; Artificial Intelligence, digital, numeric and cybersecurity; and Business transfer and financing. In parallel, a 'task force' dedicated to economic intelligence will be deployed to exert targeted influence on major issues such as transport, public procurement, CSR and reindustrialization. Var, the leading military department in France, remains at the heart of the UPV strategy. The closer relationship with the army continues, notably with the Écoles d’infanterie et d’artillerie de Draguignan, to maximize the economic spin-offs for local businesses. Support for members also relies on the group's 200 employees and its training facilities, such as the École de la 2ème Chance (E2C), IMSAT and UPV Formation Développement. Supported by a tight board and an effective partnership with Stéphane Benhamou, deputy president of the UPV and president of MEDEF Var, Véronique Maurel, who also heads CPME du Var, confirms the employers' union unity. This cohesion is deemed essential to carry the voice of Var entrepreneurs all the way to Paris.

Véronique Maurel entend peser sur les scrutins à venir