France's government increases pressure on Alstom

PARIS – French President Francois Hollande said the government will do everything in its power to ensure the sustainability of the train-making site of Alstom in the country.

Hollande, speaking during a visit to Romania, said the plant in the eastern French city of Belfort "can be supported through a number of new orders ... that must be accelerated".

The government is considering putting pressure on France's national company SNCF to reach a deal with Alstom regarding a train line in Italy.

Citing an internal document, French media said Alstom informed employees on Tuesday that it's "impossible to ensure a long-term future" for the Belfort site.

The closure of the plant would lead to 400 job cuts in Belfort. The French state has a 20 percent stake in Alstom.