Information by itself is not a surprise

Focus on continuity. In a terse statement, the French Federation of insurance (FFSA) companies indicated yesterday that it would be proposed to the General Assembly of June 27, "to reappoint Mr. Gérard de La Martinière in his presidency". In accordance with the statutes of the FFSA, the President is elected by the General Assembly by a majority of two thirds, on the joint proposal of the Presidents of the two branches of the Federation, FFSAM for the mutual insurance, FFSAA for anonymous corporations. Needless to say, that they Jean Azéma, CEO of Groupama, and Jean-Philippe Thierry, the CEO of AGF who have the upper hand on the selection of the Chief Representative of insurers.

Information, by itself, is not a surprise. This was a time, that it was known that Gérard de La Martinière would be candidate for his own succession. "He did know soon enough internally fall last which meant that it was assured to have the support necessary for his eventual re-election", recalls a professional. Initially, the games were however not fully made. And it is said that the question of the renewal of Gérard de La Martinière has shaken the small world of insurance at the end of last year. At the time, some voices suggested that, on professional lobbying, insurers still had to make progress. "We suffer from a lack of representativeness, compared to banks," lamented as a professional.

Lack of pugnacity criticized

Insurers, it is true, have been somewhat abused late last year, including accused of not respecting their commitments on investment in innovative SMEs (they showed the contrary since) or to deny access to insurance to the sick men (this is the purpose of the revision, in progress, of the convention Belorgey). The FFSA, has been blamed a lack of pugnacity to resolve hot folders, such as the obtaining of the guarantee of the State in November urban violence, and some difficulty to be traced back to Bercy comments of the profession on the recent avalanche of texts a little more binding (Act Châtel) insurers(Act on the information in life...).

"Very strong technically" considered, "punchy", "listened with interest", Gérard de La Martinière has never given its handed over powers in question. It is not considered armed arm of AXA. Nevertheless, some his predecessor, Denis Kessler, many unconditional would have liked to find a replacement. A Denis Kessler in more diplomat", according to the definition given by a professional. It would seem that the rare Pearl was not found. "The continuity has prevailed", summarized yesterday an insurer, adding that "after all, the important thing is less to be a good Communicator to many defend records".

One thing is certain, many expect the likely second Presidency of Gérard de La Martinière it embodies the "common home insurance" project understand: a merger with the Group of mutual insurance companies (Gema) ("Les Echos" from February 23), the General Assembly will meet early July, including to elect its new President. Many are betting on the re-election of the outgoing, Daniel Havis, also the AISAM pattern.