Germany and France Go Back Into Lockdown. What’s Next?

Germany and France’s new COVID-19 lockdown measures are less strict than those implemented in April and May, but will still harm their already struggling economies. Similar measures elsewhere in the eurozone will lead to a slower recovery across the currency area and open the door to social unrest, as well as long-term financial instability. Germany and France have announced nationwide lockdown measures in an attempt to slow down the rate of COVID-19 infections in their countries and prevent their hospitals from being overwhelmed. They are also trying to reduce infections during November so that the movement restrictions can be softened before Christmas. While Berlin and Paris have said the measures are time-limited, extensions are possible considering the high number of infections in both countries. ...