Economics
German `Sideshow' Sniping at ECB Shows Euro Area in a Rut
- Finance minister feeds resentment in Germany over ECB policy
- ECB sees political willingness to reform lagging in Europe
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German discontent toward the European Central Bank is rising -- and the feeling seems to be mutual.
Days before Group of 20 and International Monetary Fund meetings in Washington, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble has suggested that ECB President Mario Draghi shares the blame for the rise of populist parties. With mainstream representatives piling on the opprobrium, ECB officials -- including Germany’s own central-bank head -- are showing exasperation that they’re under attack from politicians who have failed to upgrade the euro area’s economic foundations.