The coronavirus epidemic is causing paralysis of a large part of the French economy, which worries Emmanuel Macron and his government, who harangue representatives of the professional branches to continue their activities. Because all the indicators show a risk of a general collapse of the country's economy.
Does France risk economic paralysis? This is the great fear at the top of the state and in the professional branches.
Very disturbing signals are coming from everywhere. One indicator is clear: electricity consumption has dropped by 15% since the start of containment. Likewise, temporary work has collapsed: 500,000 jobs completely disappeared in March. For lack of arms, more and more companies are idling and even fear paralysis. There is a real risk of a general collapse of the economy. This is the reason why the Elysée Palace brought together representatives of the major professional sectors yesterday, from the food industry to banks and distribution. Objective: ensure business continuity when many employees prefer to stay at home for fear of being contaminated.
However, that is what the government asked them to do.
Yes it's true even if you have the right to go out to go to your workplace if the activity requires it. But as the state compensates partial unemployment up to 70% of gross wages (84% of net), many companies, in reality, prefer to put as many people as possible in this scheme to save money. At the top of the state, it is estimated that certain sectors have overreacted by stopping activities that could have continued. The Minister of Labor Muriel Pénicaud angered the building federation by accusing these companies of "lack of civility". What is especially lacking are the protective masks which would reassure those who absolutely have to leave their homes to go to work. In the meantime, the risk of economic paralysis is very real and very worrying.