'ECB not subjected to political pressure' - Lagarde

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 13 - The European Central Bank is an "independent institute", "it is clearly provided for in treaties" and "we are not subjected to political pressure of any type", ECB President Christine Lagarde told a press conference Friday at the end of the Eurogroup meeting, when asked in particular about the "lack of courage" attributed to the ECB by Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and whether she thought other countries shared the criticism.
    Responding to Lagarde's statements later on Friday, Tajani said "the ECB must be independent but I claim the right to comment its choices".
    On Thursday, Tajani had expressed disappointment at the European Central Bank's latest interest-rate cut, saying a reduction of 25 basis points on its deposit rate to 3.50% was not enough.
    "I expected a more courageous decision from the ECB, 0.25 (of a point) is too little." Tajani told a question time session in the Senate. (ANSA).