France's Economy Expected to Rebound in Q2, Minister Says

France's Economy and Finance Minister, Lescure, expressed optimism about the country's economic outlook in an interview ahead of the G7 meeting in Paris. According to Jin10, Lescure stated that the French economy is expected to recover in the second quarter and avoid a recession this year. The country experienced an unexpected stagnation in the first three months of the year, with unemployment reaching a five-year high. Lescure remarked, 'Clearly, the French economy stalled in the first quarter, but for statistical reasons, I believe it will rebound in the second quarter. My expectation for economic growth this year is 0.9%, while the market generally expects 0.8%, which is far from a recession, so let's hope for the best.' Lescure noted that France's reliance on nuclear power gives it an advantage over other countries. He also mentioned that despite the 'flaws' in France's social model, increases in welfare and minimum wages should help cushion the impact of the economic slowdown.