As a result of an economic recovery that is more dynamic than expected, the government has raised its growth forecast for 2021 to 6.25%, against 6% expected previously, thus aligning itself with the forecasts of most major institutions.

“Growth is strong, it is solid, it is dynamic.

We will therefore revise the growth forecast for 2021, from 6% to 6.25%.

In December 2021, we will return to the pre-crisis level of activity ”, announced the Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, to the National Assembly, in front of the deputies who began on Monday afternoon the examination of the last five-year budget.

Activity soon to pre-pandemic level

The government is thus aligning itself without surprise with the forecast of INSEE and is approaching those of the Banque de France (6.3%) or the OECD (6.3%) published in September.

This rebound in the French economy comes after a historic recession in 2020 due to the health crisis, which caused an 8% drop in gross domestic product (GDP).

If the government has shown a desire for "caution" so far, the success of the vaccination campaign and the implementation of the health pass this summer, without too many consequences on the activity, now allow it to slightly review its ambitions.

After a sluggish start to 2021, due to the maintenance of health restrictions, activity has picked up sharply since mid-May.

It should now return to its level at the end of 2019 by the end of the year, say economists and the government.

Employment at unprecedented levels

In addition to a mechanical rebound with the reopening of many activities, the Minister of the Economy also sees the success of the government's “economic policy”, measures to support the stimulus plan, including the economic choices made before. crisis.

A revealing sign widely put forward by the executive in recent weeks: employment is at unprecedented levels.

The unemployment rate could drop to 7.6% in the third quarter, unprecedented since the 2008 financial crisis.

A “France 2030” plan

While the health risk seems to be receding for the moment, Bruno Le Maire has identified three new dangers for the French economy, including the risk of "exacerbated" conflict between nations, which should lead France and Europe to rebuild their "independence", especially industrial.

Emmanuel Macron will present on Tuesday with this in mind an investment plan, called "France 2030", which aims to finance the development of future technologies (hydrogen, biotechnologies, space, nuclear, etc.).

"Full employment" within two years

The other risks pointed out by the Minister of the Economy are inflation, whose surge, driven by energy prices, is straining the purchasing power of the French, and growing recruitment difficulties in a number of sectors. (catering, building, etc.). 

"Full employment, we can achieve it within two years," said Bruno Le Maire to the deputies, in a speech with the overtones of an electoral campaign, six months before the presidential election.

He also defended the government's serious budget, despite the explosion of the public debt and the deficit during the crisis.

The latter, expected so far at 4.8% of GDP next year (after 8.4% this year), should finally approach 5%, the government still having to take into account the expenditure generated by the plan "France 2030 ”, the future commitment income promised for young people, which the government is struggling to finalize, and the compensation measures in the face of rising energy prices.

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