There are three phrases the market never wants to hear. Ever. They are "contingency", "just in case", and "only." Alas, it just got all three of them in an article just released by French Le Figaro which, per Bloomberg, has disclosed that "France has been working for a number of days on a plan that would allow the state to take a stake in the country’s financial institutions if needed, Le Figaro reports, citing a source. The plan, the article continues, is being prepared “just in case” it’s needed and only 2 or 3 banks may be affected under plan." So, let's get this straight: France has scrambled to put together a nationalization plan to bail out just "2 or 3" banks, "if needed"... Uhhh, all we can say to this is, LEEEEEEEROOYYYYYYY JENKINS. Although the person we would most love to hear say it, is the person who until two months ago was the French minister of finance and currently head of the world's most irrelevant and disorganized organization.



Full Google Translated story:

Paris prepares a plan to help its banks

The Agency for State Holdings (EPA), meanwhile, has been working for several days in a scheme that would allow the French to enter the capital of financial institutions.

In the heart of summer, the little phrase from the Executive Director of the IMF, Christine Lagarde , the need for recapitalization of banks in Europe had created an uproar on this side of the Atlantic, both in government than among bankers. In France, especially, we stick tooth and nail for several weeks this summer's strategy, namely the implementation of the plan to rescue Greece from July 21 will address concerns and to redress market the situation.

But according to our sources, Paris is ready to act. If the level of European support-which must still be approved by some national parliaments, provides that the EFSF to recapitalize banks, the agency of state ownership (EPA), meanwhile, has been working for several days in a diagram that would allow the French to enter the capital of financial institutions. "It's just in case ..." said a source familiar with the matter. Unlike what happened in 2008, which had pushed Bercy that all banks should call the financial office that had opened so that no-it-is stigmatized, only "two or three banks "This time would be affected by the device. "We're not in the same situation three years ago," says another source. And today, some are not willing to "pay" for others.

The Ministry of Economy, which is feared to fuel distrust of markets, it ensures that no recapitalization scenario is under consideration.

Controversy over the "AAA"

Whatever the option chosen at the end, France will act in any case keeping in mind that it is under the eye of the markets. Wednesday, after the announcement of the guarantee provided by the state borrowing by Dexia, the controversy over its continued financial rating "AAA"-one that enables it to borrow on the markets with the best price was great. This is Laurent Fabius who opened hostilities on the consequences of the guarantee provided by France. For the former Socialist prime minister, if the State "turns it on its back, it means that our triple A will not be comforted." Europe 1, he found the issue "very worrying". François Fillon has dryly responded, asking "several times to turn his tongue in his mouth before using expressions that are not accurate." The Prime Minister tried to reassure the public, adding that the state guarantees to Dexia will be "paid". However, he acknowledged, "no one can say in advance that this guarantee will cost the French taxpayer, although naturally each guarantee operation, there is a risk."

The Minister of Economy, Baroin, agreed meaning to the microphone RTL . "It will not increase the debt of the French state since, according to Eurostat, which is the body ESS, all the guarantees to banks are not included in public debt." Reasoning is true, as they are not lacking ...

But it is a rating agency who has probably the most reassured Wednesday: "It is clear that increased financial commitments is not a good thing, but efforts to support the banking system can be positive" and strengthen its note, assured Maria Malas-Mroueh, an analyst at Fitch Ratings in charge of France.





