ECB's chief economist, Peter Praet gave an interview to the famous French business publication L'opinion. The official said that recent economic indicators for France, seemed "surprisingly weak" and the main problem he sees is the labor market. Praet also promised to promote the expansion of Franco-German relations. With regard to the policy of the European Central Bank, confirmed willingness to maintain a very high level of financial support to the region and called for European banks to adapt to the negative interest rates.