Le Maire calls on Berlin to adopt a common growth strategy for Europe

Paris France’s Finance and Economics Minister Bruno Le Maire has called on the federal government to develop a common growth strategy for Europe. “Companies expect clear messages from both our governments,” Le Maire told Handelsblatt. “We must not forget that we have an interest in succeeding together: If Germany is doing well, France is also doing well – and vice versa.”

Europeans would have to ask themselves how they could invest better and more efficiently. “The real economic policy question is how Europe, as a continent with an aging population and a shortage of skilled workers, ensures its productivity, competitiveness and growth,” said the minister. “That is the question to which we must find an answer together with Germany.”

Le Maire warned against focusing one-sidedly on reducing national debt. “Fiscal rules and debt reduction are very important to me,” he said. “But the prerequisite is that we retain the ability to invest.”