Tensions between Switzerland and Germany over the question of banking secrecy are growing by the day, with a Swiss politician yesterday having likened German Finance Minister Steinbruek to a Nazi.
Today the German official has hit back saying “I am getting threatening letters from Switzerland and am being bad-mouthed as a Nazi stooge” adding “this is completely out of proportion and unacceptable.”
Steinbruek angered Switzerland last year by calling for a “carrot and stick” approach on the tax haven issue. He further exacerbated the bad feeling over the weekend, when he likened Switzerland to “Indians” running scared from the cavalry. Ummmm, that’ll help.
This one looks likely to run and run, and could make for some good entertainment.