EU officials calmed the game on banks
While a lack of Greece is closer every day, the question of the nationalization of banks is back on the front of the stage due to the exposure of French banks to Greece. In exchange, banking stocks are under pressure. Since the beginning of the year, Societe Generale, in fact, over 60% of its stock value and displays a low for 20 years, BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole, a little less than half.
A situation that the political leaders finally responded. "A nationalization of French banks is totally premature and beside the point," said this morning the Minister of Industry, Eric Besson, on RMC / BFM TV. The latter said that the banks have "very well" stress tests Europe last summer.
If right, then we answer in the negative, this is not the case on the side of the Socialist Party.Thus, to François Hollande, the Socialist candidate for the primary, "If it happened that there is a lack of Greece and the banks are brought to realize losses, there would be an appeal to the State, as in the subprime crisis. The state should not lend to banks, but must take a stake in their capital, "he told the Journal du Dimanche.
"The banks have lied to us in 2008"
For their part, EU officials remain confident in the strength of French banks. The President of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet, has confirmed that central banks were ready to provide liquidity to banks should they need it cash advance loan. "Whatever the scenario Greek and therefore regardless of the provisions to go, French banks have the means to cope," said Christian Noyer, Governor of the Bank of France.
What some experts do not agree. "Banks have lied in 2008 and probably still hiding toxic chemicals in their balance sheets," said Marc Fiorentino, CEO of Monfinancier.com, the JDD. Societe Generale has just announced a new savings plan which relate primarily toxic assets, mainly U.S., made unwanted by the financial crisis and the explosion of the market "subprime" U.S..
For the expert, "The State must enter the capital of French banks up to 30%." Which he said would cost taxpayers between 50 and 100 billion euros. Same story on the side of Dessertine Philippe, Director of the Institute of High Finance. "The state is the only one who can help banks recapitalize," he says.The question is how the state will fund this operation and especially if nationalization does not require that other European countries do the same.
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