French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe leaves the Elysee Palace in Paris March 24, 2020. ― Reuters pic
“Tourism is facing what is probably its worst challenge in modern history,” Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told a news conference. “Because this is one of the crown jewels of the French economy, rescuing it is a national priority.” To prevent job losses, the government is reimbursing companies for 70 per cent of the gross wages of workers they put on furlough, and Philippe said that it will extend this measure until at least the end of September, even though the government is looking at winding down support down for other sectors.
That, however, would require a relaxation of restrictions, including a ban on trips of more than 100 kilometres and the closure of beaches.