Cameron Criticises Leaders For Euro 'Tinkering'

The Prime Minister has told European leaders that "tinkering" with the European crisis would no longer "cut it", during a meeting of World Leaders on Thursday.

During his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, David Cameron said there needed to be "bold action" to drive economic growth as tough negotiations continue to try and save the eurozone.

“This is a time to show the leadership our people are demanding," Mr Cameron said. "Tinkering here and there and hoping we’ll drift to a solution simply won’t cut it any more. This is a time for boldness not caution. Boldness in what we do nationally – and together as a continent.”

The speech is being viewed as criticism of the slow and steady methods of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who this week suggested caution in the handling of the crisis. Speaking on Wedneday, Ms Merkel said: “[We need] a moment to reflect on what lessons we have learned from the global financial and economic crisis.”

"What we do not want is a situation where we promise something that in the end we can't back up because if Germany, representing all European countries, promises something that can't be kept if markets attack it hard, then Europe is really vulnerable."

Meanwhile, French newspapers have reacted negatively to Mr Cameron's speech accusing him of calling for yet more deregulation throughout the European economy, which they say had been an initial cause of the collapse.

During his address Mr Cameron argued: “We can’t go on like this. That is why Britain has been arguing for a pro-business agenda in Europe.

“We need to be bolder still. Here’s the checklist. All proposed EU measures tested for their impact on growth. A target to reduce the overall burden of EU regulation."

(DW)