German econ minister: 1.8% growth this year and next realistic

[BERLIN] Germany's economy is on a solid growth path and an expansion of 1.8 per cent both this year and next is realistic, economy minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Thursday.

Economic growth is bringing in higher tax receipts than expected, Mr Gabriel told the Bundestag lower house of parliament.

Turning to the influx of refugees pouring into Germany, Mr Gabriel said this was, "probably the biggest national, European challenge since reunification" in 1990.

REUTERS