Germany Signals Willingness to Loosen Greek Austerity Measures

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government signaled a willingness to loosen Greece’s austerity requirements as long as the next government stands by its obligations under a European Union-led bailout program.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said negotiators might consider giving Greece more time to rein in its finances as exit polls in Athens showed pro-bailout New Democracy with a narrow lead and in a position to form a majority coalition.