The CPME is becoming Les Entrepreneurs and wants to compete with the Medef

The Confederation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises officially changed its name on Thursday, June 25th, to Les Entrepreneurs (The Entrepreneurs). This transformation marks a strategic shift for France's second-largest employers' organization, which now aims to play a more significant role in the national public debate. The new name reflects a desire for openness and a broadening of its influence beyond SMEs alone.

An offensive before the presidential election

This repositioning comes less than a year before the 2027 presidential election. The organization intends to have a greater influence on the economic and social discussions that will shape the election campaign. By adopting this broader new brand, it seeks to attract new members and strengthen its legitimacy vis-à-vis the Medef, the dominant employers' organization in France.

Disrupting the balance of power among employers

The name change reflects an aggressive strategy. The Entrepreneurs aim to establish themselves as a key player with public authorities and the future government. This transformation comes amidst a reshaping of the French business landscape, where the balance of power between representative organizations is rapidly shifting.