Merkel ready to consider Macron reform ideas

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Tuesday she was prepared to consider proposals by new French President Emmanuel Macron for a shake-up of the eurozone.

Speaking to business leaders in Berlin, Merkel acknowledged that the “economic cohesion of the eurozone member states leaves something to be desired”.

Merkel, who is running for a fourth term in a September general election, said Germany would be open to an “economic government” to pool “best practices” for promoting jobs and growth among the 19 eurozone members.

“We could of course consider a common finance minister, if the circumstances are right” with the proper balance among risk, liability for debt and the power to dictate policy, Merkel said.

“We could also consider a eurobudget if it is clear that we are really strengthening the structure of the economy and doing sensible things,” she added, backing another suggestion by the French leader.

Merkel, who also holds the rotating presidency of the G20 club of big economies, said she would fight to achieve the “broadest accord possible” on a free-trade pact at a summit in Hamburg next month.

But she admitted this would “not be easy given the new American administration” of Donald Trump, which is championing an “America First” trade policy. (AFP)