For Thierry Julier, president of the CCI, “the Lozère economy is in a crisis of confidence, and not in crisis”

Thierry Julier (right), president of the Lozère Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Fabrice Bugnon-Murys (left), departmental director of the Banque de France. Midi Libre – KARIM MAOUDJ

The president of the consular chamber took stock of economic activity in the department, alongside Fabrice Bugnon-Murys, departmental director of the Banque de France.

Lozère companies are "resilient" in the face of the national economic context, but the situation remains delicate in the face of the crisis of confidence displayed since the beginning of the year, both by business leaders and by Lozère consumers.

This is in some way the message conveyed this Friday, October 4, 2024 by Thierry Julier, president of the Lozère Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Fabrice Bugnon-Murys, departmental director of the Banque de France. They both took stock, side by side, of the economic situation in the department.

The savings rate “has increased by 2.24% over one year”

If there is one figure that illustrates this paradox well, it is the level of savings of the Lozériens. Recorded last July, “it has increased in one year by 2.24%”, according to the departmental services of the Banque de France. “This shows the crisis of household confidence, analyzes Thierry Julier, but it also indicates the capacity to consume which is positive”.

For Fabrice Bugnon-Murys, “today we have a certain margin in household consumption". And both the latter and the companies “have some room for maneuver”to invest”. Because, on the companies' side, the latter “have more liquidity”. Especially since business failures are down by 17.5%, a level “lower than the pre-Covid level”.

Overall, turnover is up by 1.4%

This is the paradox, targeted by the president of the Lozère CCI, who refuses to talk about an economic crisis. "The Lozère economy is more in a crisis of confidence than in a crisis." He cites as proof the results of the department's major economic sectors since the beginning of the year.

"As of June 30, total turnover is up 1.4%", he emphasizes. Industry? “This is a reassuring sector, which sees its volume of activity in terms of turnover increase by 2.90%.” Construction ? It is also progressing, by "6.90 %, compared to 7 % over the whole of 2023".

Tourists consumed less this summer

In reality, the concerns relate to commerce and CHR (cafes, hotels, restaurants). The trade sees its turnover drop by 4%. “This is the big weak point”, acknowledges Thierry Julier. “Consumption patterns have changed, we need to change”, supports Fabrice Bugnon-Murys.

As for the activity of the CHR, it contracted by 2.60%. "This is the consequence of consumers' restraint reflex", deciphers the president of the CCI, who recalls that the number of visitors to the department, "has, this summer, increased compared to 2023". Tourists were there, but they consumed less.

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