Economics

French Economy Loses Pace as Macron Gambles for Long-Term Gains

  • Bank of France estimates GDP rose just 0.3% in first quarter
  • Labor unions plan protests against President Macron’s reforms
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The French economy may have just had its worst quarter in more than a year and there could be further pain ahead if planned strikes opposing President Emmanuel Macron’s reforms go forward.

Industrial sentiment fell to the lowest in more than a year in March and manufacturing output unexpectedly declined in February, according to reports this week. A broad measure of private sector activity is at a seven-month low.