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"I have a duty to ensure respect for economic public order", recalls Le Maire

2021-01-20T09:01:33.207Z


The Minister of the Economy returned to the controversy that followed his intervention in the Carrefour-Couche-Tard file. It assumes the State's “right of scrutiny” over certain operations.


"

We just applied the law

."

The Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire defended this Wednesday his choice to intervene directly in the negotiations between Carrefour and the Canadian Couche-Tard.

In a certain number of areas, the State has a right of scrutiny because we consider that these are strategic sectors.

In these sectors, you have food distribution

”, he reaffirmed on the set of BFM Business.

To read also: "France's veto on the takeover of Carrefour may upset other foreign investors"

Some players in the sector had deemed it inappropriate for the government to intervene in this operation between two private companies.

Intervention which resulted in the abandonment of the buyout project.

"

I prefer the solution chosen, that of cooperation, complementarity, to a dry buy-out

," said Bruno Le Maire.

I have a duty to enforce economic public order.

One major thing has changed with the pandemic: it may happen that foodstuffs can no longer circulate across the planet.

So my responsibility is to ensure that the continuity of the French food chain is guaranteed.

For it to be sure, no link should be missing

, ”added the Minister.

The "

tear

" of the state

The latter also reconsidered its position in the sensitive issue of the takeover of Suez by Veolia.

I did everything to make things go in a friendly manner.

When I see that we are moving towards a lasting and negotiated agreement, we are going in the right direction,

”he explained, referring to the intervention of a white knight alongside Suez.

This is what will preserve jobs and the industrial quality of water and waste management.

We will see what it will give

”.

Read also: Caisse des Dépôts ready to support "a negotiated solution" in the Suez-Veolia file

The minister regretted the “

heartbreak

” of the state in this matter.

We found ourselves judge and jury.

I don't like these heartbreaks.

I think that the state must sell stakes,

”he said.

The role of the state in the economy is to ensure the defense of the interest of the nation.

Some investments in strategic areas need to be protected.

On the other hand, I am more skeptical of the State shareholder when we are not in strategic areas

, ”explained Bruno Le Maire.

Air France will be further supported

Asked about the fate of Air France, the Minister of the Economy confirmed that the airline would continue to be supported "

in the coming month

".

And there is an emergency: “

Air France can die, there is no exception.

Is Air France strategic?

The answer is yes.

It is an element of sovereignty

”, judged the minister.

The latter explains that he is working on different “

options

” to provide financial support to the company in difficulty, all in compliance with European rules.

This support will nonetheless be subject to conditions: "

we have asked Air France to become more competitive and to become an example of a sustainable company

".

To read also: The State shareholder bailouts Air France, La Poste, SNCF ...

Bruno Le Maire also spoke about the case of Sanofi.

The French pharmaceutical giant plans to cut 400 research positions.

We expect Sanofi to confirm that there will be no site closures, no redundancies and a clarification of the development strategy in research and development in France.

We are awaiting clarification on this last point

”, explained the Minister.

The hopes carried by Joe Biden

Finally, Bruno Le Maire spoke of the hopes that the arrival of Joe Biden to power on Wednesday.

I am delighted with the appointment of Janet Yellen (as Secretary of the Treasury, editor's note) because she said that the digital tax could pay off in the United States.

This is a first opening.

Today, negotiations are stalled solely because of the United States.

The day the Biden administration gives its approval, we will have an international tax, which we have always wanted,

”the minister enthusiastically.

Read also: Gafa tax: France gives itself "until the summer" to "convince the Biden administration"

The latter also intends to resolve the Airbus-Boeing conflict which has triggered a wave of trade sanctions that severely affect certain French sectors, such as wine.

We need to resolve the Boeing-Airbus case as quickly as possible.

No one has an interest in continuing a trade war that has only one winner: China,

”he explained.

The French minister considers in this respect that the European continent must "

define its positions in a sovereign way

".

According to him, this is the stake of the 21st century for Europe.

This is what we must build,

” concludes Bruno Le Maire.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2021-01-20

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