The national secretary of the PCF Fabien Roussel and the president of the Île-de-France region Valérie Pécresse, both candidates for the presidential election of 2022, debated on industrialization, wages and public services, between applause and boos Saturday at the Fête de l'Humanité.
Read also Valérie Pécresse wants to move up a gear
Valérie Pécresse received some applause by saying she wanted to increase industrial production while "
paying better those who produce
", or by defending the relocation of strategic industries. Asked about relocations, she announced that she wanted to create a council with the Elysee on the takeover of French companies by foreign capital in strategic sectors.
Fabien Roussel for his part denounced the European treaties, "
defended by all successive governments
", which are "
harmful for workers
" and "
push us to compete
" with other European countries.
"
You have to be able to say stop (to free trade agreements) to protect the industry,
" he also said.
"
I am for reciprocity, not for the end of free trade,
" replied Valérie Pécresse, before positioning herself for "
a real carbon tax, which would restore equality of competitiveness (between countries).
And it must be at the borders of Europe.
"
Rising wages
Valérie Pécresse also defended her plan to cause a 10% increase in wages, in exchange for a reduction in social contributions, more financed by taxation.
“
I know that you are attached to social contributions because you think it is a guarantee of higher social benefits.
But that is not correct (...), there are already billions of euros in social contributions today which are paid by the State,
”she detailed under the boos of the public.
"
Finally, we are going to talk about wage increases, finally, it comes to the table and even the right is starting to talk about it,
" Fabien Roussel enthusiastically.