German Budget Is Full of Risks

Finance Minister Eichel presented his 2004 budget to the Bundestag on Tuesday. Opposition leader Angela Merkel predicted a "week of controversy" in anticipation of debate over "unconstitutional" proposals. The German parliament resumed its business on Tuesday after the summer holiday by launching a contentious debate over the draft 2004 budget. Finance Minister Hans Eichel's plans foresee government expenditures of €251.2 billion ($278.8 billion). But the government is expected to reap less in taxes, duties and fees, and thus bear the burden of a €28.8 billion deficit at the same time as it spends €24.8 billion on investments. The Christian Democrat Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, accused Eichel of having failed "personally, professionally and politically." Deputy parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz speculated that Eichel would soon be sacked. "You (Eichel) are quite obviously fighting your last battle," he said before the Bundestag.