Very true indeed. If one asks for a 5% stake of an airline owing billions then that means they are already out of pocket to the tune of the 5 % of the billions owed. It is hardly likely that Arik will ever make any profit in the next 10 years. So does it make any sense to allege the ministers wanted a 5 % share?
I think someone was out to change the focus of what this is all about! Sadly, a lot of airlines think that they can run without ever paying any bills, repaying the banks the loans they have, or even paying their workers. Why? Because every person thinks we MUST have an airline at any cost. I say shut down the airline, sell the assets and pay the debts.
In a free market economy someone will come in and meet the demand, and having seen other airlines close down, may actually have a workable business plan, and more likely, PAY THEIR BILLS.