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Its interesting to hear Europeans complain that the French are sheltering Air France from competition, as if BA, Lufthansa, and Alitalia aren’t similarly shielded (though often in different or hidden ways)…………

You are of course correct on Alitalia, but BA and LH, no.
There is no evidence what-so-ever to suspect BA or Lufthansa being protected.

So far in France, several indigenous airlines have mysteriously been shutdown by court injunctions and sudden decisions by banks to foreclose on loans.

In Italy, the government has ordered all external airlines flying to Italy to match Alitalia ticket prices.
Also, there are very few airlines other than Alitalia in Italy, and by all accounts it has the monopoly.

However, in Germany and the UK there are a plethora of airlines, competing successfully against BA and LH. There is no evidence to suggest they are being impeded in any way.