"This is an important step in our strategy in the fight against the economic and social consequences of the crisis that has hit France," said French Prime Minister Jean Castex.

When the pandemic hit the country, the government spent hundreds of billions of euros on emergency aid.

Then came two months of almost total freezing and the economy went down 13.8 percent during the second quarter.

- France persevered, but is undoubtedly weakened.

Now we must avoid a sudden and brutal recession, says Castex.

The spread of infection is increasing

The country is seeing an increase in the spread of infection and on Thursday reported 7,000 new covid cases, which is the highest daily figure for Europe.

Despite the rise, France opened schools this week and the authorities are encouraging people to go to work.

40 of the € 100 million in the recovery plan comes from an EU-wide rescue plan approved in July.

One third of the sum will go to support companies, one third to jobs and other societal measures, including the manufacture of medical supplies and efforts to help museums and the film industry.

EUR 33 billion for the environment

The remaining third will go to reducing emissions and protecting biodiversity.

President Emmanuel Macron has been criticized for not fulfilling his promises to fight the climate crisis, and despite the new plan, it is still not enough according to critics, writes AP.

According to the French Prime Minister, the government will not raise taxes to pay for the rest.

Instead, they will issue new government bonds.