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法国经济长期疲软态势难改
Jing Ji Ri Bao·2025-09-21 22:05

Economic Outlook - France's economic growth expectations have slightly improved but remain weak overall, influenced by high domestic debt, political instability, and external geopolitical threats [1][2] - The French central bank forecasts a growth of 0.7% in 2025, up from a previous estimate of 0.6%, but has lowered growth expectations for 2026 and 2027 to 0.9% and 1.1% respectively [1][2] Structural Challenges - The long-term weak performance of the French economy is attributed to structural challenges rather than cyclical downturns, with growth rates hovering between 0.6% and 0.8% this year [2][3] - The political crisis has led to a loss of GDP by 0.1% and 0.3% in 2024 and 2025 respectively, totaling a loss of €12 billion [3] Political Instability - The resignation of former Prime Minister Borne and the appointment of a new Prime Minister has raised concerns about ongoing political instability, which is eroding investor confidence and delaying necessary reforms [2][4] - The political deadlock is expected to persist, especially with the upcoming presidential elections in 2027, limiting fiscal consolidation efforts [4] Debt Burden - France's sovereign credit rating has been downgraded from "AA-" to "A+" due to ongoing political turmoil and unresolved budget issues, with debt projected to rise to 121% of GDP by 2027 [4] - Economists warn that without effective measures, debt could reach 128% of GDP by 2030, posing a risk of a systemic crisis similar to Greece in 2010 [4] External Factors - The unilateral tariff wars initiated by the U.S. have exacerbated France's economic vulnerabilities, contributing to a decline in business investment and consumer confidence [5][6] - France's productivity is lagging behind the Eurozone average, with rising labor costs further impacting competitiveness [6] Need for Strategic Vision - French economists emphasize the necessity for a long-term strategic vision to address current economic challenges, aiming to restore productivity and innovation [6]