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France has posted its strongest growth in over 50 years, as the economy recovered from the economic shock of the pandemic.
French GDP expanded by 7% last year, data just released shows – the strongest annual expansion since 1969, as the economy showed resilience in the face of supply chain disruption.
It follows an 8% contraction in 2020 as lockdowns and restrictions to fight Covid-19 drove the economy into deep recession.
French annual growth up to 2020 Photograph: World Bank
The strongest boom in a generation is a boost to Emmanuel Macron’s economic credentials, ahead of April’s presidential election in which he is widely expected to run for a second term.
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