The French government expects the economy to shrink by 8 percent in 2020, according to Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire. The budget deficit will also balloon to around 9 percent of GDP, as the government pumps €100 billion into its economic rescue plan. These latest forecasts come after President Emmanuel Macron announced some French shops and businesses would be allowed to re-open after May 11, but bars, restaurants and hotels would remain closed to limit the spread of Covid-19.
Subscribe to France 24 now:
http://f24.my/youtubeEN
FRANCE 24 live news stream: all the latest news 24/7
http://f24.my/YTliveEN
Visit our website:
http://www.france24.com
Subscribe to our YouTube channel:
http://f24.my/youtubeEN
Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English
Follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/France24_en