Cryptic crossword clue
State control that’s loosening to become ‘semi-rigid’

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word DIRIGISME

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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The cryptic/wordplay part
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What does DIRIGISME mean?

DIRIGISME noun
  1. A policy of strong state control over the economy and related social matters.

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