The European Central Bank is an
"independent institute", "it is clearly provided for in
treaties" and "we are not subjected to political pressure of any
type", ECB President Christine Lagarde told a press conference
Friday at the end of the Eurogroup meeting, when asked in
particular about the "lack of courage" attributed to the ECB by
Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and whether
she thought other countries shared the criticism.
Responding to Lagarde's statements later on Friday, Tajani said
"the ECB must be independent but I claim the right to comment
its choices".
On Thursday, Tajani had expressed disappointment at the European
Central Bank's latest interest-rate cut, saying a reduction of
25 basis points on its deposit rate to 3.50% was not enough.
"I expected a more courageous decision from the ECB, 0.25 (of a
point) is too little." Tajani told a question time session in
the Senate.
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