Mario Draghi handed over to Christine Lagarde as European Central Bank chief Monday saying it was "easier to say goodbye knowing that the ECB is in good hands".
"It is time for more Europe, not less Europe," Draghi added.
Draghi was speaking at a ceremony marking the end of his
eight-year term as president, with Lagarde who will take over on
November 1, and European leaders.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella said Draghi had warded
off the risk of the end of the euro and said that he had worked
for a more solid Europe.
German Chancellor Angela Merkjel agreed with Draghi that it
was a "consolation" to know the ECB was in good hands, referring
to former IMF managing director Lagarde.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Draghi was a worthy
heir of the EU's founding fathers, such as Jean Monier, Robert
Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and "your illustrious compatriots
Alcide De Gasperi and Altiero Spinelli".
Macron said that Draghi had "raised high the European dream".
He added that EU leaders must now respond to Draghi's call
for expanive budget policy to flank the ECB's monetary policy.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
