Madrid rounds on Monti’s criticism

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy rounded on his Italian counterpart Mario Monti yesterday by calling on European leaders to be more careful when they talk about Spain as it struggles to show markets it can control its finances.

Several Spanish government sources also told Reuters that Madrid had expected more backing over its ambitious reform agenda from Europe, especially the European Central Bank.

Reports in Italian and Spanish newspapers, quoting Monti as saying Spain’s financial problems were the main reason for renewed tensions on debt markets in Europe, irritated Spain.