Germany wants G8 focus to return to economy (FT)

Germany is to lead the Group of Eight leading industrialised nations away from its focus on development issues when it takes over the rotating presidency next year.

Instead, Angela Merkel, chancellor, wants next year's summit to focus on economic issues - not least the issue of global imbalances. She believes the G8's agenda has become too broad. In recent years it has focused on poverty in the developing world, climate change and pandemics.