BERLIN (AP) — The number of people out of work Germany ticked up slightly in August but not enough to alter the unemployment rate, which remained stable at 6.8 percent.
In its last report before national elections in September, the Federal Labor Agency said Thursday that 32,000 more people were unemployed in August over July due largely to seasonal factors. Summer vacations typically account for a rise as students register as unemployed.
In comparison with many other European countries, unemployment in Germany is relatively low and that could bolster Chancellor Angela Merkel's bid for a third term in Sept. 22 parliamentary elections.
Among the 17 countries that use the euro, the rate is a record 12.1 percent. In Greece and Spain, unemployment stands at over 25 percent.
News Topics: Business, General news, Economy, National elections, Labor economy, Elections, Government and politicsPeople, Places and Companies: Angela Merkel, Germany, Western Europe, Europe
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