Germany's Altmaier: We will return to austerity policy once coronavirus crisis is over

Comments by German economy minister, Peter Altmaier

• We have committed to pay debt back from 2023
• Growth phase will only be possible once the coronavirus spread slows
• Once the crisis is over, we will return to savings policy

Germany agreed to a €750 billion stimulus package yesterday, with the government turning away from its frugal policy-making to counter the virus fallout.

But Altmaier is quick to clarify that this doesn't mean a big change of heart:

"Once the crisis is over - and we hope this will be the case in several months - we will return to austerity policy and, as soon as possible, to the balanced budget policy."