Chirac rejects protectionist claims as 'absurd'

French President Jacques Chirac, in Berlin for a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, today dismissed as “completely absurd” suggestions that his country is pursuing protectionist policies, rejecting criticism elsewhere in Europe of a government-backed merger between two French energy firms.

France’s policies have been in the spotlight since the government last month announced plans to merge Suez SA and gas giant Gaz de France, shortly after Italy’s Enel indicated it had an interest in Suez.