Angela Merkel: Germany can’t do more for artists, or Italians will say we are rich

The FAZ has obtained a transcript of the Chancellor’s conference-call comments to her party, ahead of an EU summit at which she resisted demands for the creation of Eurobonds.

Asked why Germany was not doing more to support performing artists during lockdown, Merkel reportedly said:

Deshalb solle sich die Bundesregierung auf zentrale Bereiche der Wirtschaft konzentrieren, statt immer neue Versprechen zu machen. Wenn etwa auch Künstler mit Steuergeld gerettet werden sollten, werde man dies in Spanien und Italien vermerken und darauf verweisen, dass Deutschland offensichtlich über genug Geld verfüge.

Therefore, the federal government should focus on central areas of the economy instead of making new promises. If, for example, artists were to be saved with tax money, this would be noted in Spain and Italy, and reference would be made to the fact that Germany obviously has enough money.