Bruno Le Maire indicated on Wednesday on BFM Business that France was ready to nationalize companies if necessary. "We will protect our industrial heritage," said the Minister of Economy and Finance on BFM Business, adding that there was "no question of seeing large French companies disappear" because of this health crisis.
Bruno Le Maire reiterated that he would have "no hesitation" to use the entire arsenal at his disposal - including possible nationalizations - if necessary.
Regarding the companies potentially concerned, he did not provide any figures or specify any names but said that he would meet today with the leaders of the car manufacturers Renault and PSA.
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe had not ruled out nationalizations on Tuesday to face the coronavirus crisis, ensuring that for the airline Air France the state was ready to " take responsibility as a shareholder ". Minister of Public Accounts Gerald Darmanin said on Wednesday on BFM TV / RMC about Air France: "We are closely monitoring the situation of this large enterprise and are ready to nationalize".
Air France is suffering the brunt of the economic crisis linked to the coronavirus and has announced the reduction of its offer from 70% to 90% for two months.
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