Chancellor Merkel defends a 31 billion euro stimulus plan to help German consumers (04.12.2008) - je 17

The German parliament has passed a fiscal stimulus package to revive the economy. The package - worth some 31 Bbillion Euros - was controversial, with critics both at home and abroad describing it as 'inadequate'. But Chancellor Angela Merkel defended her proposals.. and also said.. all options remain on the table. A proposal by some some politicians to give people vouchers worth 500 Euros to encourage spending.. has been shot down by the conservatives.