Merkel praises Renzi reforms

(ANSA) - Rome, January 29 - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday praised the reforms passed by Italian Premier Matteo Renzi. "Premier Renzi has embarked on a very ambitious reform agenda, and the Jobs Act (labour reform) goes in the right direction," Merkel said after meeting Renzi for talks in Berlin.
    "The success of these reforms will be an important contribution for Europe and Italy".
    For his part Renzi said that "thanks to the efforts of the Italian government, to European collaboration and to our German friends, I am here today with a list of reforms and results, not promises". "Italy is no longer Europe's problem and wants to pull its weight, as is proper and as per the history of our country".
    He added he is aware Italy's public debt must come down.
    "We're the first to say (our) debt must come down," he said. "I don't say so to make Angela (Merkel) happy, but to make my children happy".