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Weidmann said France and Germany, because of their size and close links, had a special responsibility within the eurozone. "That's why our two countries must respect European budget rules, not only their spirit but also by the letter", he said.
He warned against repeating "the mistakes of the past", when both France and Germany, in 2003, "did themselves a disservice by weakening European budget rules". Weidmann, who reiterated his opposition to bond-buying by the European Central Bank as well as to French proposals for joint eurobonds, added that Europeans "must aspire to a strong Europe with a strong euro".
Weidmann, a member of the ECB's Governing Council, had already criticised France's failure to stick to budget targets, and the Bundesbank warned against too much flexibility in applying deficit reduction rules.