German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder smiles during the speech of opposition floor leader Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats CDU during a parliamentary debate at the lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, in the Reichstag building in Berlin March 8, 2001. In his speech German Finance Minister Hans Eichel reiterated an official forecast of 2-3/4 percent GDP growth in 2001, telling parliament the economy remained "robust" despite a slight slowdown from last year. Merz is watched by Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder (rear).

WR/AS