Germany must accept growth pact says Hollande - by Hugh Carnegy

François Hollande, the frontrunner in France’s presidential election, stepped up his campaign for fresh initiatives to boost European growth on Wednesday, saying Germany had to accept it was the only way to solve the eurozone crisis.

At a press conference in Paris, the Socialist party leader sharpened his tone on Europe, clearly responding to the big vote won in Sunday’s first round of the election by far right and far left candidates who strongly attacked austerity policies led by Berlin.

He called for a “new Europe” which stressed “solidarity, progress and protection” and warned against a split between northern and southern countries in the European Union. “If we say Germany will pay to cover the debts and deficits, I understand their reticence. Everybody must make their efforts [on public finances],” he said.. “But Germany must realise that it is growth that will allow us to solve a big part of our problems.”

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