Paris: French President Francois Hollande said on Monday that Brussels must extend flexibility to countries such as France that are trying to cut their public deficit to the EU norm of 3.0 percent of GDP.
"Every country, including France, must respect its engagements and all margins, all flexibility must be used to account for the reforms undertaken," Hollande told a labour conference in Paris.
His comments supported the stance of Italy, another country struggling to respect the EU regulations.
Newly installed Italian premier Matteo Renzi wants more leeway and claims that the European Commission, under pressure from Germany, has put too much emphasis on austerity and not enough on protecting jobs and growth.
Eurogroup head and Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem has said that "it is up to the commission whether countries are allowed more flexibility" and underscored that many countries were given more time to meet the agreed standards.
