JENA (dpa-AFX) - Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck sees a clear mandate for the federal government in view of the significantly lowered economic forecast and wants stimulus for the economy. Growth of 0.2 percent this year is "in no way satisfactory", said the Green politician on Thursday in Jena during a visit to the technology group Jenoptik. With a view to the weak global economy, Habeck said that not all problems would be solved, but that "homework" had to be done.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) had said that with a growth forecast of 0.2 percent, Germany was once again at the bottom of the group of developed economies. This was "embarrassing and socially dangerous".

Habeck said there had to be quick decisions on what the federal government could do. He mentioned a faster reduction in bureaucracy and quicker placement of people in the job market. The shortage of skilled workers is a brake on growth.

He receives many inquiries from companies that would like to build a factory in Germany - but they tell him that they need the same conditions as in the USA. Habeck referred to the billions in state funding that the USA uses to lure companies. Germany had decided to spend money more restrictively. "If there is more money, then there is no one who is happier than me."

Habeck had brought a billion-euro, debt-financed special fund into play in order to finance tax relief for companies - but the FDP rejects this./hoe/DP/jha