This will give us low market interest rates in the euro area, which is good for growth, job creation and the fight against unemployment. BIS Review 2/1997
Christine Lagarde: Laudatory speech for Dr Wolfgang Schäuble Laudatory speech by Ms Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, for Dr Wolfgang Schäuble, at the VdZ Publishers’ Night, Berlin, 4 November 2019. * * * The English philosopher John Stuart Mill once observed that “a great statesman is he who knows when to depart from traditions, as well as when to adhere to them.” It is with these words in mind that I would like to celebrate Wolfgang’s contribution to public life. You embody what I see as the model of “Germany in Europe”: the Germany that is an implacable defender of its values and a beacon of liberalism and democracy; but also the Germany that is ready to move when needed to uphold the European idea. This event is not about the ECB. It’s not about monetary policy or other economic policies. It’s about you, Wolfgang. So I will not talk about monetary policy or anything related to it. I was asked to speak this evening when I was still Managing Director of the IMF, and I was honoured to do so in recognition of our long shared history as colleagues and friends. But the occasion has taken on added meaning in the light of my new role working for Europe. There are few who have done so much for Europe, over so long a period, as you, Wolfgang.