<h1>Ruling party cites 7.8% Q1 GDP jump, calls it 'slap of reality' rebutting opposition's 'economy dead' claim</h1> The ruling party seized on government data showing 7.8% GDP growth in April-June, saying the figure rebuts an opposition leader's recent claim that the economy was 'dead' and calling the data a 'slap of reality.' The quarter's growth-the highest in five quarters-was attributed mainly to a strong farm sector. Party spokespersons framed the numbers as vindication of the government's policies and criticized the opposition's credibility, while the opposition had linked concerns about the economy to recent foreign tariffs and external criticism.