The CPME wants "targeted aid" for sectors affected by rising energy prices.

"The price of gas has a significant impact on industry, if we take for example the chemical industry, if we take the glass industry, it has a significant impact," the head of the Confederation of Small and Medium Enterprises stated on the radio.

"So it is industries that are in danger today, and sectors of activity that will need, at some point, targeted aid. And again, targeted aid, not massive aid," he stressed.

"We are aware of the state of public finances," Mr. Reza-Tofighi conceded.

But "we will have to take the sectors of activity that are heavily impacted, I can talk about transporters for example, and think about how we can sometimes support them. These are not even aids that will cost the State much, for example counter-guarantees from Bpifrance (bank loans guaranteed by the State, editor's note), so that they can continue to buy gasoline."

"Sometimes, (it would be necessary) just to postpone the charges: sometimes, it's just a cash flow problem, they don't potentially have the means to pay their charges right away. But they will be able to do so in two or three months. And that will cost the State nothing in the long run," explained the business leader.

Asked about the consequences for Iran, the country of origin of his parents, of the war started on February 28 by the United States and Israel, Mr. Reza-Tofighi replied that he hoped it would bring down the regime in place in Tehran.

"I am torn between, obviously, wanting this war to end (...) and at the same time fearing that this war will end without the regime falling. That would be terrible for this country and for its people," he said.