France has reacted frostily to the Dutch government's sudden purchase of a stake in Air France-KLM in attempt to counter French influence. Shares in the airline company fell 11% after the Netherlands government said late on Tuesday it was acting to protect "Dutch interests".
The Dutch bought a 14% stake, aiming to match France's 14.3% share. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire insisted the company should be "managed without national public interference".
The Dutch move began late on Tuesday, with an initial acquisition of 12.7% of Air France-KLM shares. According to French reports, the government in Paris was informed of the Dutch move only an hour before a press conference on Tuesday night, and after the shares had been bought.
A ministry source told AFP news agency the Dutch move was both "surprising" and "unfriendly", more in the manner of market traders than a state shareholder.
The Dutch government then upped its stake on Wednesday to 14%.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the Dutch government should "clarify its intentions".
Source: BBC
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