Les entrepreneurs et la politique. L'exemple du bâtiment et des travaux publics

Abstract

Contractors and politics. The case of building and civil engineering. Dominique Barjot. [5-241 More than in any other industrial sector, the building and civil engineering firms (BTP) are in relationship with politicians and civil service officials. This relationship is realized in particular through powerful syndicales, especially in the civil engineering sector. Their role is important because the contractors are generally not very attracted by politics, despite some notable exceptions (as L. Loucheur, J.-M. Louvel or A. Morice who all became ministers). However, even if their political committment remained limited, except may be during the two world wars, building and civil engineering contractors frequently use their political contacts in order to be successful in business.