Schroder critical of British tabloids

THE GERMAN Chancellor, Gerhard Schroder, hit out yesterday at "tasteless" British newspapers for criticising his government in recent days.

"I wish the degree of disparagement that is taking place in the tabloid press of the German Finance Minister was not taking place. I have to live with it, but it is tasteless," he said.

Oskar Lafontaine, the minister, was criticised by the media for advocating tax harmonisation. "In this he has my full backing," Mr Schroder said.