Poland’s President, Andrzej Duda. Photo Credit: REUTERS

Poland is experiencing its first recession since the end of the communist era more than three decades ago.

The economy shrank by 8.9 percent in the second quarter because of the effects of the coronavirus lockdown. Recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of contraction.

Gross domestic product grew by 4.1 percent in 2019, slightly lower than the 5.3 percent rate in 2018.

The government is forecasting 3.4 percent contraction this year, down from a previous forecast of 3.7 percent growth.