Jospin ‘fuming’ over Blair’s interference in Romania deal

Date: 14/02/02

By Tony Mallett

FRENCH Prime Minister Lionel Jospin was today (14 February) said to be 'fuming' over UK premier Tony Blair's involvement in the purchase of the Sidex steel plant in Romania.

Blair has admitted sending a letter to his Romanian counterpart supporting the huge deal involving Indian tycoon Lakshmi Mittal's company LNM.

The billionaire had previously donated just over €200,000 to Blair's party.

Insiders at the European Parliament have learned that Jospin - expected to announce his candidature for the French Presidency any day now - planned to go to Romania to try and clinch a deal on behalf of a French company, believed to be either Pechiney or Usinor.

One source told European Voice: 'Blair says LNM is a European Union company, but it only employs 100 people in the UK and actually competes with EU firms.

'Jospin was virtually on the plane to lobby for a genuine EU company. He is fuming.'

Blair came under attack in the UK Parliament yesterday for alleged sleaze. But the premier dismissed claims of impropriety saying: 'This is not Watergate, it is Garbagegate.'

French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin was said to be 'fuming' over UK premier Tony Blair's involvement in the purchase of the Sidex steel plant in Romania.