France plans privatisation law in asset sale push: PM

PARIS, Jan 7 (Reuters): The French government is planning a privatisation bill as part of its programme of asset sales, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said in an interview, confirming that the state could cede control of some companies.

The government outlined last year plans to sell stakes in order to finance a 10 billion euro ($12.0 billion) innovation fund.

It has since reduced its minority stakes in energy group Engie and car maker Renault, and there has been speculation that Paris airport operator ADP and national lottery firm Francaise des Jeux (FDJ) are in line to be privatised.

"There have already been some (asset sales) and there will be more," Philippe said in an interview with Sunday paper JDD.

Asked if the government would present a privatisation bill, a necessary step for ceding state control, he said: "Yes. The question is not taboo."