Michel-Édouard Leclerc, the president of the strategic committee of E. Leclerc, addressed the French Senate's inquiry into the profit margins of industrialists and large distribution companies. During the session, he faced questioning from Senator Antoinette Guhl and committee president Anne-Catherine Loisier. Despite the importance of the inquiry aimed at uncovering how prices are generated in France, Leclerc's testimony was more evasive than enlightening, according to observers.

Leclerc took the opportunity to highlight the significant impact of the inflation crisis on the budgets of French citizens, which escalated dramatically following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He made it clear that the E. Leclerc stores would not reimburse consumers for the staggering 28% increase in food prices that occurred from 2022 to 2023. This situation has raised concerns about the ongoing cost of living crisis that many households are facing across the country.

The implications of Leclerc's statement reflect wider economic challenges in France, exacerbating the struggles of many families trying to cope with rising costs. The Senate inquiry aims to provide transparency and accountability within the industry, but Leclerc's lack of direct answers raises questions about the effectiveness of such investigations and the potential for real change in pricing practices, showcasing a disconnect between business operations and consumer welfare.