Prime Minister Jean Castex on Tuesday called on Veolia and Suez to continue and deepen their discussions, the day after the decision of Engie's board of directors to sell its shares in Suez despite state opposition.
Read also: Engie sells its stake in Suez to Veolia
"
We ask that these discussions continue to achieve clear respect for the objectives we have set,
" said the head of government in response to a question from the Socialist deputy Valérie Rabault who described as "
shame
" the “
Minority
” of the State during the board of directors of Engie.
The State "
expressed by its vote to the board of directors of Engie the position which has always been held since the beginning of this file
", replied Jean Castex.
He enumerated the four requirements of the government: the safeguard of employment, that also of “
an industrial logic
”, “
the respect of the rules of competition for the market of water and sanitation in the territorial communities
” and finally "
respect for the rules of sovereignty so that this strategic segment remains under the national flag
".
These explanations did not convince Valérie Rabault: “
The State has been outvoted.
This is a first in the history of the Fifth Republic,
”she said.
"
To be respected, passes by acts
".
On Monday evening, the board of directors of Engie, the main shareholder of Suez, decided to accept the offer from Veolia, which expired at midnight, and to sell it most of its shares in its competitor Suez for 3, 4 billion euros, ignoring the opposition of the State, which owns 22% of Engie.
