France Faces Worst Recession Since WWII

PARIS (AFP) — France is likely to see its deepest recession since the end of World War II this year because of the coronavirus crisis, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire warned Monday.

“The worst growth figure in France since 1945 was -2.2% in 2009, after the financial crisis of 2008. We will probably be very far beyond -2.2%” this year, Le Maire told a Senate panel.

“It’s an indication of the amplitude of the economic shock we’re facing.”

France imposed a nationwide stay-at-home order on March 17 after shuttering all nonessential businesses. Officials have said the lockdown will last until at least April 15.

Statistics office Insee said in March that the lockdown has slashed overall economic activity by 35%, and estimated that every month of shutdown would cut annual GPD by 3%.

Services, heavy industry and construction are all taking big hits, Insee said, as factories are shut and only a handful of business sectors, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, remain open.

A wave of French blue-chip companies have abandoned their profitability targets for the year, while employers’ associations have warned that hundreds of smaller firms and shops risk bankruptcy.

The government has pledged $49 billion in loan guarantees and other relief to help companies get through the crisis.

© Agence France-Presse