Is France’s recovery plan a credible response to the economic crisis?

France’s prime minister Jean Castex unveiled a recovery plan for the country on Thursday 3 September against the backdrop of a sharp contraction in economic activity in the first half of 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis. France’s nationwide lockdown led GDP to contract by 13.8% in Q2. In response, the government has introduced a series of emergency economic measures to support companies and households during the crisis. Beyond the short-term effect aimed at protecting the productive economy in the coming months, the recovery plan seeks to counter the lasting effects that the crisis may have. It envisages a new strategic direction for France and its industry in the coming years.