In his new panorama of the economic situation, the OECD (the international organisation based in Paris) lowers its forecast 2019 and 2020 for most major economies, with a few exceptions (Argentina, India, etc.). The euro area weakened in particular by the trade tensions and the uncertainty related to the Brexit, is the most affected region. Italy is expected to be in recession this year. France, less dependent on exports than its neighbours, is holding up better, explained to the Figaro Laurence Boone. The chief economist of the OECD also insists that countries less indebted of the euro area are investing in their infrastructure.

LE FIGARO. – You are more pessimistic than in November on the global growth. Why?

Laurence BOONE. – In 2019, we expect global growth of 3.3% and not more than 3.5 %. It is especially in the United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey and in the euro area (- 0.8% compared to November) we have revised our forecasts down, particularly in Germany and in …