Tajani calls on Lagarde to slash interest rates

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 9 - Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Wednesday called on European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde to deliver bigger interest rate cuts than those made so far.
    "There is a problem with rates," Tajani said at an event in São Paulo as part of a visit to Latin America.
    "We pay more in interest on government debt than we spend on health care.
    "The time has come for Mrs Lagarde to finally lower rates more substantially.
    "We need more courage.
    "She gets angry and says she is independent.
    "The Central Bank is independent, but I am free to express my opinions and say what I think: if you want to grow, at this moment in time, you have to lower the cost of money".
    Tajani also spoke about the government's efforts to boost growth.
    "We must continue to work to reduce the tax burden, because reducing taxes is the only recipe for growth," said the Forza Italia (FI) leader.
    "Reducing the tax burden and focusing on growth is also necessary to reduce the public debt". (ANSA).