By Anna Edwards PUBLISHED: 07:49 EST, 1 May 2013 | UPDATED: 19:54 EST, 1 May 2013 Germany has branded France ‘Europe’s biggest problem child’ in the escalating war of words between the two countries. The tit-for-tat name-calling comes as relations between Chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Francois Hollande continue to deteriorate. Earlier this week a leaked French policy document described Mrs Merkel as ‘egotistical’ and said France’s socialist government – which opposes austerity – should engage in ‘democratic confrontation’ with her. The language was later toned down, but Mr Hollande was accused of using the sort of rhetoric that led the two countries to war.
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Two powers in war of words as leaked reports attack the other
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German report highlights economic failings of neighbour
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French accused German Chancellor Angela Merkel of 'egotistical intransigence'
@placeholder and other rich countries want more oversight and control of the budgetary decisions of poorer nations which they are having to bail out to keep the single currency together.