Germany to study status of French economy
Two officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters this week that Schaeuble asked the council of economic advisers to the German government, known as the wise men, to consider drafting a report on what France should do. Schaeuble’s request denotes growing concern in Berlin and among private economists over the health of the euro zone’s second largest economy, which is set to miss a European Union goal for reducing its public deficit next year.
“Concerns are growing given the lack of action of the French government in labour market reforms,” Lars Feld, an economist who sits on the panel, told Reuters.
Although Schaeuble raised the prospect of a report on France with members of the council this week, Feld and the finance ministry made clear that the government had not submitted a formal request. The ministry declined comment on unofficial discussions of the minister’s affairs in general.
The panel of advisers publishes an annual report on the state of the German economy, which it handed over to Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday. It can also draft special reports when it sees economic imbalances developing or at the formal request of the government.
Since being founded 49 years ago, the panel has published no studies on individual countries but Germany, according to its website. Its last
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