Germany could push a law on Greek aid through parliament on May 7, allowing it to offer its debt-laden euro zone partner financial support before a May 19 debt deadline, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said.
Speaking to reporters on Monday after meeting leaders of the German parties in parliament, Schaeuble said a failure by Greece to refinance an 8.5 billion euro (7.3 billion pound) bond on May 19 would have "unforseeable consequences." "I reported Greece's needs to the parliamentary leaders and requested that we arrange the parliamentary debate and decision process so that we are in a position -- like other countries -- to make the necessary loans available to Greece before May 19, if needed," Schaeuble said.