Why Are the French Pushing Hard for European Banking Union? Because They Know They’re Next
WITH a gaping public deficit and record level of debt, the euro zone’s second largest economy wants to be sure it is not sucked into the bloc’s game of debt-crisis dominoes, hence Paris’s forceful lobbying for ways to shore up Europe’s banks.
France is one of the strongest advocates of a Europe-wide banking union and, with an eye on its own banks’ exposure to vulnerable debt in struggling countries, for immediate recapitalisation of banks from euro zone rescue funds.
“I think the French are pushing this for a simple reason: They bloody well know they’re next in line. They’re after Italy,” said Nicholas Spiro, head of consultancy Spiro Sovereign Strategy.
The debt crisis has already spread through Greece, Ireland and Portugal, all of which have international bailouts. Spain has asked for help for its banks. Cyprus may seek a broader bailout imminently. Italy has recently seen borrowing costs rise to dangerously high levels.