German Chancellor Merkel ready to consider Eurozone reform ideas

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

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.

Merkel stated, "we could of course consider a common finance minister, if the circumstances are right," citing one of Macron's frequently touted ideas.

"We could also consider a euro-budget 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.

(AFP)