Eichel raises doubts over stability pact

German finance minister Hans Eichel suggests a spending target would me more useful than a rigid deficit reduction in light of the current economic slowdown. Mr Eichel said he is still fully supportive of the stability and growth pact, but stated that the expenditure part of a budget is easier to control than the receipts part in a market economy. Later a spokesperson stated Eichel's words had been misinterpreted.