Joshua Adel: "The Medef must understand that a strong economy is one where work is recognised"

MarianneIndependentProgressive2 days ago

Joshua Adel, professor of political science at Paris-I Panthéon-Sorbonne, critiques the French employers' organization Medef for failing to understand the needs of the French economy. In a commentary on a debate between presidential candidates organized by the Medef on August 27, 2026, Adel highlights the persistence of class interests within economic elites, suggesting that the notion of a post-class society has been largely illusory. He notes the reaction to Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s proposal to increase wages during the debate, which was met with laughter in the audience. Adel argues that raising salaries could be compatible with market prosperity, referencing historical periods like the Trente Glorieuses where wage increases coexisted with economic growth. He criticizes the shift since the 1980s toward competitiveness and deregulation, arguing that this approach has weakened social cohesion and economic resilience.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the Medef as out-of-touch with economic realities and supports policies favoring workers over corporate interests. It critiques the dominance of neoliberal economic thinking and advocates for a more balanced approach that includes wage increases and state intervention, aligning it