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“The European Commission has joined in the chorus of [critcism of German export strength]”, remarks Die Welt, in the wake of Brussels’ announcement of a “comprehensive investigation” of Germany’s export surplus.
For the daily, the Commission’s criticism is “dangerous”, “not just for economic reasons but also for political ones” —
Small fragile economies in Europe should also profit from global demand [says the Commission]. For this to happen, Germans will have to exercise restraint. This demand means that we should not be too serious about the drive to consolidate [European debt]. It also means that Germany should make an effort to increase wages, to ensure greater demand for Portuguese shoes and Greek wine. In so doing, Germany will weaken its international competitiveness. There has hardly ever been a more inappropriate time to voice such a false message, regardless of whether it is addressed to Germany or crisis stricken countries.
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