French government calls for Renault to replace Carlos Ghosn

France has requested the board of Renault meet to replace its scandal-hit boss Carlos Ghosn.

French finance minister Bruno Le Maire, in an interview with French TV station LCI, said: "The state as a shareholder wants a board meeting to be called in the coming days and the designation of a new stable and sustainable governance.

"I always indicated, while reiterating the presumption of Carlos Ghosn's innocence, that if he was durably prevented (from fulfilling his role) we would move to the next stage. We're there now."

Carlos Ghosn was arrested on 19 November on charges of financial misconduct and faces a lengthy criminal trial that could be more than six months away.

The 64-year old was denied bail earlier this week after he was indicted on under-reporting his salary and passing personal investment losses to Nissan.

Last week, he insisted he had been "wrongly accused and unfairly detained" as he appeared publicly in court for the first time since his arrest.

Publically the French government, which owns 15% of Renault, has supported the company's decision to keep Ghosn in office.

He was dismissed as the chairman of Nissan in November as the scandal unfolded.

According to Reuters, the state began seeking a replacement in November and Renault's nomination committee is expected to meet on 20 January.