Bundesbank's Weidmann defends ECB from critics

"(Central banks) cannot promise minimum returns for savers because they must focus on the broader economic impact of their monetary policy," Weidmann told an audience in Munich.

He added: "Long term rates depend equally on long-term inflation expectations and on the economy's growth prospects. Interest (income) for investors doesn't fall from the sky, it must be earned by companies."

(Reporting by Joern Poltz; Writing by Francesco Canepa; Editing by Balazs Koranyi)