Despite internal tensions, entrepreneur Alain Gargani re-elected as head of CPME Sud

Alain Gargani, president of the CPME Sud [Confederation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises] since 2019, was re-elected this Monday morning for a third term at the head of the employers' organization in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region. Although he was the only candidate for reelection, the Marseille entrepreneur had a high stakes in this election, in a context of internal tension, following the election for the national presidency in which he had also run earlier this year. This nationwide campaign left its mark within the confederation: Véronique Maurel, president of the CPME du Var and the UPV, had not supported him, preferring Amir Reza-Tofighi, the new president, who has just welcomed the Lorgues business leader to the Executive Committee of the national CPME.

In recent weeks, Alain Gargani has also faced opposition from Var and Côte d'Azur business leaders, particularly from the presidents of the Medef unions in both departments, who criticise him for not taking a quick enough position against the vote by the South Region on the new mobility tax.

Double cap

UPE06 President Pierre Ippolito had even asked for his resignation, pointing out the dual role of Alain Gargani, also a regional councilor in the majority, as delegate for digital and innovation. "Our wish is to have strong cohesion in the service of businesses, we will have a discussion to have a third term in serenity," indicated Samah Ben Dhia, the secretary general of CPME Sud, on the eve of the election.

For his part, the newly re-elected Alain Gargani declared in a press release, "I will continue to lead my actions by always prioritizing discussion over confrontation. The interests of businesses take precedence over particular interests, and we must unite the regions to ensure that the regional economy wins above all else."

He announced the renewal of the Made in PME trade fair in 2026, as well as a roadshow on good recruitment practices for VSEs and SMEs, following the white paper published by the organization.