BNP is hitting its stride just as France itself is striving to shake off years of malaise and kick-start a more dynamic economy. French corporate leaders, including BNP Chairman Jean Lemierre, have been surprised at how swiftly President Emmanuel Macron pushed through pro-business reforms of the tax code and labor rules that were once considered virtually impossible. Macron is squaring off against powerful transportation unions in a series of work stoppages, and his detractors are wagering that his "En Marche!" agenda will ultimately fizzle out.