Berlin cuts growth forecast for 2012 from 1% to 0,7%. This was announced by German Economy Minister Philipp Roeseler. For the 2013 growth expected to increase to 1.%.
Germany is also aiming for a stable deficit of 1% of GDP and an unemployment rate of 6,8% in 2012. But the evolution of the economy "depends decisively on the growth and stability of our European partners", he underlined the minister.
News concerning Italy also arrives from Berlin. During the last face-to-face in the German capital, Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti has not made any requests for help to German Chancellor Angela Merkel. This was confirmed today by Steffen Seibert, spokesman for the Berlin government. "Italy and Germany are in complete agreement on the line that must be taken against the debt crisis in Europe," added Seibert.