France's largest private companies are pushing back against potential tax increases, highlighting their substantial contributions to the national economy through a comprehensive study released by the French Association of Private Enterprises (Afep). The association, representing approximately 117 major corporations including most CAC 40 companies, presented its tenth annual survey on economic and social contributions during a press conference on Wednesday, September 24. The data reveals that these enterprises employed 2.1 million workers in France during 2024, accounting for 12% of private sector employment nationwide.

The financial impact of these corporations extends significantly beyond employment figures. According to the Afep study, member companies paid €85.1 billion in mandatory contributions during 2024, representing 19% of all taxes paid by French businesses. This substantial tax contribution occurs despite these companies generating approximately 13% of the country's market GDP. The association emphasized that these enterprises distributed 60% of their generated value to employees through wages and social charges, totaling €164 billion in payroll expenses.

Beyond direct employment and tax contributions, Afep members demonstrate substantial investment in France's economic future. The survey indicates that 20% of the value created by these companies was reinvested in business development, while they accounted for 50% of private research spending in France. This research investment reached €20 billion with 110,000 researchers employed, highlighting the strategic role these corporations play in maintaining France's competitive position in innovation-driven sectors.

The timing of the report's release coincides with ongoing public debate about corporate taxation. Afep leadership, including President Patricia Barbizet and Director Bruno Clément-Ziza, stressed the importance of recognizing the "decisive contribution" of large enterprises to the French economy and social model. The data presentation comes as companies face potential tax increases estimated at 10% for 2025, with additional contributions possibly required under future economic plans aimed at reducing public debt, making the demonstration of existing contributions particularly relevant to current policy discussions.