The government is maintaining its optimistic forecasts, despite the epidemic rebound.
"The economy is restarting very strongly", rejoiced the boss of Bercy, at the microphone of RTL, this morning.
If the figures on the size of the rebound in the spring are expected Friday, many institutions have already shared their growth forecasts.
Figures rarely seen, with growth of "
5.8% expected in France in 2021
", noted Bruno Le Maire.
Read also: The pandemic and the delays in vaccination accentuate the growth gaps in the world
The minister also projected himself into the post-pandemic. He estimates that “
by the start of 2022
” France will be “
at the same level of activity as in 2019
”. Anxious to strengthen the attractiveness of the country, Bercy is working on a “
targeted
”
investment plan
on a few key sectors. If Bruno Le Maire refused to give figures, he warned that sectors vital for the country's independence, such as semiconductors, or others useful for decarbonizing the economy, such as hydrogen, in will benefit.
The minister was however worried about a risk of overheating, faced with this strong recovery, "
sometimes even too strong
". Tensions are increasing on raw materials, such as wood, as well as on recruitment, especially for certain sectors already under strain.
In this context of recovery, the Minister of the Economy wanted to reassure the sectors which are suffering from the extension of the health pass: "
we are still there
", he assured. Aid put in place at the heart of the crisis, such as the solidarity fund or employment aid, is thus maintained until the end of August. Beyond that, Bruno Le Maire meets with representatives of the sectors most affected by the crisis to discuss and implement measures based on loss of turnover. "
We will respond present,
he insisted,
it is not a review clause
".
Many sectors, ranging from amusement parks and cinemas to festivals, nightclubs and restaurants, have recently expressed concern about a possible effect of the health pass on their attendance.
Customers are likely to be fewer, they warned, accentuating their economic difficulties.
Dismissal should only occur as a "
very last resort
"
The Minister of the Economy also provided details on shopping centers, which are not part of the places where the health pass is mandatory. Instead, the prefect will have to decide on a case-by-case basis. The minister called on the local representatives of the State "
to show good judgment
": "
in the vast majority of cases, it will not be necessary
" he said. This special treatment is justified for practical reasons. Systematic verification of the health pass is much more complicated for a shopping center than on a terrace, said Bruno Le Maire, taking up an argument put forward by professionals in the sector.
The boss of Bercy also spoke out against the layoffs for employees who are subject to the health pass and who refuse to be vaccinated. It must be a "
very last resort
", he considered, while the subject has raised political opposition since the beginning of the week.
