Belgium's New Prime Minister: 'Europe Mustn't Just Focus on Austerity'

Spiegel
January 23, 2012

Belgium's new prime minister, Elio Di Rupo, met German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday on his first official visit to Germany. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, the Socialist voices doubts about German ideas for solving the euro crisis, such as introducing balanced-budget laws across the EU, and argues for more efforts to boost growth.

SPIEGEL: Angela Merkel wants to reform Europe by modelling it on Germany. Do you support her in that?

Di Rupo: Europe doesn't have to model itself on Germany or any particular country but on the European model, taking into account all 27 member states. Germany plays an important role. It helps other countries and we must be grateful for that. But Germany must also cooperate with the other countries because its future also depends on the prosperity of the other countries.

SPIEGEL: Many in Europe accuse Paris and Berlin of not paying enough attention to the small and medium-sized EU countries. How do you view the "Merkozy" duo?

Di Rupo: Belgium is one of the 10 most important countries in the EU. And each one of these countries must defend its position with a twin goal. It must take account of its domestic political reality, but also of common European interests. It is true that Ms Merkel and Mr Sarkozy meet frequently. But decisions affect the 17 countries of the euro zone or the 27 of the EU, and every country must be listened to.

SPIEGEL: Do you think the rigid austerity programs underway in Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Ireland are the right approach?

Di Rupo: Financial markets and governments, not citizens, are responsible for the euro crisis. The most important thing, apart from conducting a strict budget policy, is to strengthen growth in Europe and create new jobs. We mustn't just focus on austerity and sanctions, we must also strengthen demand and purchasing power. Of course it is also necessary to reduce budget deficits and cut debt. But it must be done in a tolerable rhythm that doesn't choke off growth.

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