The Chamber of Deputies passed a bill on across-the-board payment of child benefits proposed by the government. The Social Democrats (CSSD) and the Communists (KSCM) pushed through the bill. The bill was actually passed thanks to the absence of some right-wing deputies. They missed voting as it took place just after the midday break. However, the bill will have to be approved also by the Senate.
The Chamber of Deputies passes an amendment to the law on the Czech National Bank. The Chamber decided to unite the operational and investment parts of the CNB's and need not to be approved by the parliament. CNB now need not consult the government over its inflation target. In line with the constitution, the CNB's chief objective is the care of price stability, not of monetary stability.
The number of people out of work in Germany rose by 325.000 to 4.3 million, the biggest monthly increase in more than three years. The jobless rate rose to a 20- month high of 10.4% from 9.6% in December.
The economic commission of UN organization fears that Argentina could fall in a spiral of hyperinflation. UN expects that Argentinean GDP will drop by 7% this year. The current level of Argentinean foreign debt exceeded 90% of GDP.
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