Germany rebuffs Lagarde criticism

German politicians and industry leaders closed ranks on the 15 March 2010 in the face of criticism from France that years of moderate wage rises in Germany had raised the competitiveness of Europe’s largest economy at the expense of its neighbours.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said on the 16 March 2010: 'I want to repudiate, very clearly, calmly and coolly, the criticism – whether within the framework of the G20 or from within Europe – that those who are reasonably successful in competition are to blame for the problems of others'.

ESO: Background information: Lagarde criticises Berlin policy http://www.europeansources.info/record/lagarde-criticises-berlin-policy/

Deutsche Welle, 16.3.10: Government and economists defend Germany's roaring export machine http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5360226,00.html

PressEurop, 16.3.10: Germany in the dock http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/211311-germany-dock

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