LAGARDE WALKS OUT AS U.S. OFFICIAL LASHES EUROPE Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, left a private Davos dinner during remarks by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that sharply criticized Europe’s energy policies and economic competitiveness. The walkout occurred as Lutnick delivered sustained criticism of Europe, drawing mixed reactions from attendees. Some interpreted his remarks as a rebuttal to European leaders’ public defenses of the bloc’s unity and financial strength earlier at Davos. The ECB declined to comment. Lutnick’s office did not respond to a request for comment.(*Walter Bloomberg)