Are 2019 and 2020 going to be difficult years for France?
What factors could lead growth in France to be much lower than is expected in 2019-2020? First, in 2019-2020, the various reforms (labour market, training, apprenticeships, unemployment benefits, taxation) are unlikely to have had a noticeable effect yet (on labour force skills or productivity); A continued rise in oil prices, which is quite possible, would keep real wage growth subdued ; Companies face a high level of hiring difficulties, which could potentially lead to a slowdown in employment and growth in 2019-2020; The deterioration in public finances can be expected to lead the French government to conduct a restrictive fiscal policy in 2019-2020.