'We are tired of the EU calling Argentina protectionist,' CFK says

President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner gave a speech at the Summit for Heads of State of Mercosur and Associated States taking place in Brasilia today where affirmed that the country was “tired of being called protectionist by the European Union.”

The Argentine Head of State spoke at the summit led by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, where she highlighted the fact that foreign products are so much more expensive in the country.

“French butter costs 120 or 130 percent more expensive,” or “Japanese rice, which is at 300 percent more expensive.”

“I want to know what the level of protectionism is on the products that come from Europe and what they are willing to offer.”

Furthermore, the President sustained Argentina’s willingness to “become members of the European Union, but we don’t want to be receivers of the merchandise that’s left of the old continent.”

The Argentine Head of State arrived to the Itamaraty Palace this morning, where the Mercosur summit is being held, where she attended a breakfast with Rousseff, before the start of the summit.

Fernández de Kirchner arrived to Brazil today after 2 am this morning.