IMF's Lagarde interrupted by student protest

IMF chief Christine Lagarde interview in Amsterdam interrupted by student demonstration

AMSTERDAM (AP) -- International Monetary Fund head Christine Lagarde's appearance at the University of Amsterdam has been interrupted by chanting students.

IMF Managing Director Lagarde was speaking to students about the European debt crisis when organized students mixed in with the audience began interrupting pre-approved questions, apparently with criticism of the fund's policies.

Security guards grabbed several students leading the chants, which began with the sneer "Madame Lagarde!", and dragged them away from the building's lobby, where the interview is continuing.

Lagarde said she currently spends about half her time addressing problems in Europe.

The 17-country eurozone is in recession, and Lagarde and an increasing number of economists are criticizing a German-led drive for other governments to get their budget deficits under 3 percent as soon as possible.