Merkel Says ‘Weak’ Euro Partly to Blame for German Surplus
- Euro rises after chancellor’s comments on trade, aiding Macron
- German leader cites low oil prices, need to invest at home
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Chancellor Angela Merkel blamed a “too weak” euro for part of Germany’s trade surplus, telling a group of students that bolstering domestic consumption was the best way to address imbalances with countries such as France.
In a panel discussion that included talk of building a closer relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron, whose election Merkel called an “extraordinary event in French politics,” Merkel was asked how to deal with the trade imbalance between the two nations. Part of the blame goes to European Central Bank monetary policy, she responded.