Main content

Germany gets a new government - and a minimum wage

Europe's most powerful economy is also one of the few countries in the region which doesn't have a minimum wage. But that is set to change.

Europe's most powerful economy is also one of the few countries in the region which doesn't have a minimum wage. But that is set to change. Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats have reached a deal with their erstwhile rivals, the Social Democrats, to form a "Grand Coalition". But there's a price to pay. Mrs Merkel has agreed to introduce a new minimum wage of Euros 8.50 an hour. We'll be hearing why the issue has divided opinion in Germany, and raised fears the country could lose its competitive edge. Plus, Italy's former Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, is expelled from parliament following a conviction for tax evasion, and a story to make your hair stand on end: the wig that contains wireless technology.

Available now

29 minutes

Broadcast

  • Wed 27 Nov 2013 19:32GMT