French Finance Minister Thierry Breton on Sunday announced that the French government had decided to sell off another six to eight percent of the national telecommunication operator France Telecom.

The announcement Sunday of the sale comes one day after the expiry of a period during which the government had pledged not to further reduce its stake in France Telecom. After selling off nearly 11 percent of France Telecom last

November, French government "committed itself Sunday to selling around six percent" of the operator's capital, he said, adding that the amount would reach eight percent.

The sale directly and indirectly of 152 to 198 million shares by the state will reduce its stake in France Telecom to 33 to 35 percent, according to the minister.

The French state "intends to remain a significant shareholder in France Telecom in the medium term," he said.

However, quick moves on privatisation will likely raise anxieties among many French concerned about the government's policies and commitment to maintaining the country's generous social benefits.

Three of France Telecom's trade unions already plan to strike on June 8 to protest restructuring of the company's client service department.

Source: Xinhua