Germany to spend more, stop borrowing next year

BERLIN (AP) — A senior German government official says spending will increase slightly next year while fulfilling Chancellor Angela Merkel's pledge to get by without new borrowing for the first time since 1969.

The official says the budget plan foresees more money for education, research and transport, helping push up spending to 299.5 billion euros ($408 billion) from 296.5 billion this year. After borrowing 6.5 billion euros this year, the government plans no new debt in 2015 and thereafter.

The government official briefed journalists on condition that he not be identified by name.

He says government foresees tax revenue rising from 268.2 billion euros this year to 278.5 billion euros in 2015.