German paper trade bosses say no risk of shortage for election

Paper industry bosses in Germany hit back yesterday at claims by the national electoral commission that a lack of paper might hinder the timing of the country's early elections.

- Kate Connolly

"We have paper," the seemingly exasperated head of the trade association for the German paper industry, Alexander von Reibnitz, told the state broadcaster ZDF, adding: "The German paper industry is very productive...we can deliver as long as the order is submitted in a timely manner."

The head of the national electoral commission, Ruth Brand, made headlines over the weekend with her remarks about the danger of holding the snap election without enough preparation time. Among her fears were that electioneering might clash with Christmas festivities or Easter, as well as the popular carnival season, when days of street festivals dominate the calendar in western Germany in particular.