Sarkozy urges ECB to “think twice” before rate hike

EU

The European Central Bank (ECB) should think twice before raising interest rates, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said.

In a live interview with a French TV channel, Sarkozy said the ECB should take into consideration Europe's economic growth and not just inflation while making its decisions.

The ECB is widely expected to raise its rates by 25 basis points to 4.25% when its board convenes Thursday amid record high euro-zone inflation.

Sarkozy blamed the inflation on rising product prices, but added that raising interest rates would not bring prices down.

Such a move could accelerate the imbalance of interest rates between the United States and Europe, said French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde.

The ECB's key interest rate has remained unchanged at 4% since June 2007. (Xinhua)

ADVERTISEMENT

Number of Liquidations Increasing Rapidly Figures

Number of Liquidations Increasing Rapidly

Orbán's Salary Increased to HUF 4.178 mln Government

Orbán's Salary Increased to HUF 4.178 mln

Hungary Tops out HUF 300bn Munitions Complex Manufacturing

Hungary Tops out HUF 300bn Munitions Complex

Around 2,800 Events Take Place in European Capital of Cultur... In Hungary

Around 2,800 Events Take Place in European Capital of Cultur...

SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL

Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.