January 11, 2012
German Chancellor Angela Merkel praised Italy's willingness to make speedy reforms on Wednesday in a demonstration of unity with the country's new leader. And Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti applauded German budgetary discipline. Concerns that Berlin is playing too dominant a role in managing the euro crisis, it seems, remained a minor issue.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) on Wednesday praised Italy's prime minister and his efforts to impose budgetary reforms and austerity measures. Merkel, who met with Mario Monti during his first trip to Germany as Italy's new prime minister in Berlin on Wednesday, said he and his government have, within a few days, "taken extraordinarily important and remarkable measures."
The chancellor praised the Italians for the speed with which they have undertaken budget consolidation and structural reforms. "This will strengthen Italy," she said. The chancellor said she has the greatest respect for the speed with which the reforms are being implemented. "I believe the work of the Italian government will also be honored," she said.
The talks between Merkel and Monti lasted longer than expected, and a joint press conference started about 45 minutes later than planned. Merkel said it was not due to disagreements between the two leaders, but to the sheer abundance of issues that were discussed.
Before the meeting, Monti had demanded greater recognition for Italy and warned against German and French dominance in the management of the euro debt crisis. He told the conservative German daily Die Welt: "If, in the foreseeable future, there are not tangible results for the Italians from their willingness to save and reform, there will be protests in Italy against Europe and against Germany."
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