France 2009

The French economy has not escaped the severe recession gripping all developed countries, but it should be less deep than elsewhere due to powerful automatic stabilisers. Nevertheless, the crisis will leave public finances in a serious condition. This 2009 edition of OECD's periodic survey of the French economy includes chapters covering coping with recession, labour market reforms, restoring French competitiveness, and strengthening competition.Tables des matières: Executive Summary Assesssment and Recommendations Chapter 1. Coping with Recession and Preserving Fiscal Sustainability -The effects of the financial and economic crisis and the authorities' response -The outlook for 2009 and 2010 -Returning public finances quickly to a more sustainable path Chapter 2. Progress in Labour Market and Other Reforms -Improving the functioning of the labour market to combat poverty and social exclusion -Raising employment rates for seniors in a context of demographic ageing -Protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development Chapter 3. The Challenge of Restoring French Competitiveness -The scope and characterisation of the competitiveness problem -Streamlining export support policies -Increase incentives to promote innovation -Promoting the growth of enterprises -Other structural determinants of business competitiveness Chapter 4. Strengthening Competition to Boost Efficiency and Employment -Introduction -Changes in the competition framework -Competition policies in selected service sectors -Competition policies in selected network industries