WSJ: European bank chief defends bond buys

25 September 2012

European Central Bank President Mario Draghi launched a robust defence of the bank's new bond-buying programme in Berlin, saying the ECB's anti-crisis measures are key to preserving Germany's industrial might.

It was Mr Draghi's latest attempt to quell deep suspicion in Germany over the central bank's planned anti-crisis measures. Many Germans view government bond purchases by central banks as a dangerous mingling of monetary and fiscal policy that fuels inflation.

The country's respected central bank, the Bundesbank, vigorously opposes the ECB's plan, announced on September 6, to purchase unlimited amounts of government bonds of Spain and other vulnerable euro members provided the countries first seek assistance from Europe's bailout funds.

Hours after the decision was announced, the Bundesbank said its president, Jens Weidmann, regarded ECB bond-buying as "being tantamount to financing governments by printing bank notes". Germany's chancellor and finance minister have voiced support for Mr Draghi's plan, limiting the public backlash.

Addressing the Federation of German Industries in the country's capital, Mr Draghi said the ECB's action has helped remove "unfounded fears about the future of the euro area" that had "compromised" the bank's ability to ensure price stability.

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