The German parliament is due to vote on measures to revive the economy in a few hours - je 04.12.2008 08

The German parliament is due to vote on measures to revive the economy in a few hours - as part of the country's response to the global financial crisis. Chancellor Merkel will be officially presenting the proposals to the Bundestag within the hour, and they've already proved controversial.. with critics both at home and abroad describing them as 'inadequate'. Some politicians are now calling for extra measures ...such as the handing-out of vouchers worth 500 euros.. to try to encourage people to spend more. But this idea - borrowed from the United States - is also being met with scepticism.