The judges intend to rule on 10 December if the FDP received 12.4 million marks in 1996 without being entitled to them - due to some procedural errors. The Brandenburg state government intends to spend more than five million marks on boosting the region around the river Oder, which had been badly hit by last summer's floods. Until 2010 some 770 million marks will be spent on flood-protection measures, according to State Premier Stolpe. The biggest chunk would be spent on repairing and upgrading roads. Apart from that, money would also be spent on getting towns and villages up to scratch, plus economic development of the area.
Energy trusts to lose territorial monopolies Bonn.
German electricity producers are to lose their territorial supply-monopolies, according to a law passed by parliament today. This would open up energy markets to European competition. The Baden-Wuerttemberg government wants to reorganise the hours worked by their teachers. This would fill gaps caused by lack of teachers, according to Education Minister Schavan. This would be compulsory for all teachers aged between 30 and 49 years - except for secondary school teachers.