The Local Germany

IMF boss urges Germany to invest more domestically to secure long-term growth

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 12:14:56 +0100

IMF chief Christine Lagarde has joined calls on Germany to invest in future economic growth even at the cost of relaxing its cherished budgetary discipline, raising hackles in Europe's powerhouse.

IMF says Germany must act now to reduce trade surplus

Mon, 15 May 2017 19:19:50 +0200

Germany must act to reduce the massive trade surplus that has stoked friction with European neighbours and the United States, the International Monetary Fund warned on Monday.

Why Greece is top of Germany's to-do list - again

Tue, 24 May 2016 13:58:23 +0200

German leaders spent much of the first half of 2015 wrangling Europe into a deal that would – they hoped – allow Greece to pay off its debts by restructuring its economy and making deep cuts to public spending.

Germany and France hopeful for deal over Greece

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 12:45:08 +0200

The finance ministers of Germany and France said late Saturday they were optimistic of a deal soon to move Greece’s bailout ahead, reiterating that the IMF needs to be involved.

Merkel combats doubts about IMF in Greek deal

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 10:55:20 +0200

Chancellor Angela Merkel insists the International Monetary Fund must participate in Greece's new bailout, but doubts about IMF involvement are complicating her bid to sell MPs the deal ahead of Wednesday's key parliamentary vote.

Germany isolated as Greeks vote on bailout

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 11:00:37 +0200

As more and more countries send positive signals about a possible deal with Greece for a fresh tranche of bailout cash, the resistance of Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble is leaving Germany more and more isolated in Europe.

Varoufakis accuses creditors of 'terrorism'

Sat, 04 Jul 2015 10:04:01 +0200

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis accused Athens' creditors of "terrorism" in an interview published on Saturday, a day before Greeks vote in a high-stakes referendum on their bailout.

'Serious progress' in Berlin Greece debt talks

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 10:15:46 +0200

There has been "serious progress" in talks over Greece's debt crisis but much still needs to be achieved, the EU's commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs said on Tuesday.

'Grave concern' about Ukraine in Berlin talks

Tue, 14 Apr 2015 10:23:01 +0200

The French, German, Russian and Ukranian foreign ministers expressed "grave concern" Tuesday at a meeting in Berlin about violations of a shaky ceasefire in separatist-held east Ukraine.

Varoufakis begs for calm in war of words

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 11:24:33 +0200

Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis called on German and Greek leaders to calm their rhetoric over his country's bailout programme in an op-ed published in Germany on Monday.

Germany and USA keep up Ukraine pressure

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 09:36:46 +0100

On a trip to Washington to meet his American counterpart John Kerry, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned that the West remained determined to bring about peace in Ukraine.

Merkel to Greece: 'remain part of our story'

Fri, 23 Jan 2015 15:34:05 +0100

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday she wanted Greece to "remain part of our story", ahead of elections this weekend which could sweep the anti-austerity Syriza party to power and determine whether the country stays in the eurozone.

IMF trims German 2013 growth forecast

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 18:45:00 +0200

The International Monetary Fund lowered Monday its forecast for German growth this year to just 0.3 percent, but predicted that Europe's biggest economy will experience a recovery in the second half of 2013.

IMF backs thrifty German budget policy

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:28:00 +0200

The International Monetary Fund's chief economist believes Germany's budgetary policy is "appropriate" while criticizing the fiscal habits of the United States.

Merkel: Greek bailout deal possible on Monday

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:02:00 +0100

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday a deal to release funds for Greece could be clinched next week, as her election rival launched a blistering attack on her policies to stem the eurozone crisis.

Germany: Slashing debt is the only way

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:23:00 +0200

Germany's finance minister said Friday there is "no alternative" to cutting debt in European countries, the day after the IMF chief called for Greece to be given more time to pare its deficit.

German 'grey finance experts' to help Greece

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 12:16:00 +0200

The International Monetary Fund wants to assemble a pool of German pensioners with finance expertise to help Greece establish a functioning financial system, it was reported on Saturday.

IMF: German economy will recover this year

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 09:46:00 +0200

The conditions are in place for the German economy, Europe's biggest, to recover this year - and lead the eurozone back to growth - unless the crisis intensifies further, the IMF said on Tuesday.

IMF boss throws down gauntlet to Merkel

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:09:00 +0100

IMF head Christine Lagarde set out Monday a raft of proposals to fight the eurozone crisis likely to irk German Chancellor Angel Merkel, including a bigger rescue fund, lower ECB rates and joint eurobonds.

Berlin has not ruled out Greek eurozone exit

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 10:01:00 +0100

Germany's government has worked out contingency plans in the event that Greece has to quit the eurozone, according to a report published in Der Spiegel magazine.