'ECB not subjected to political pressure' says 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 a Eurogroup meeting, when asked 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.
    Tajani expressed disappointment on Thursday 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).