Repower AG, the focus of a takeover struggle between Suzlon Energy and Areva has just reached a crucial point. According to the French Finance Minister, Thierry Breton, Areva should reconsider its plans to take over German wind turbine maker Repower Systems AG, as the price is being driven too high.

Some of us might think, "What's a commercial decision like that got to do with him and what does he know about company valuation better than the management of Areva?"

But that's not how French capitalism works, which has a marked preference for the Big Man. Areva, after all is owned by the French state so the politicians get to call the shots, however unenlightened they might be.