Greek demands are 'stupid', Germany says

Germany's economy minister branded Greece's demand for 278.7 billion euros ($312 billion) in reparations from World War Two II as "stupid" on Tuesday, while the German opposition said Berlin should repay a forced loan dating from the Nazi occupation.

Greek Deputy Finance Minister Dimitris Mardas made the demand on Monday, seizing on an emotional issue in a country where many blame Germany, their biggest creditor, for the tough austerity measures and record high unemployment connected with two international bailouts of 240 billion euros.

Sigmar Gabriel, who is economy minister and German vice-chancellor, called the demand "stupid", saying Greece ultimately had an interest in squeezing a bit of leeway out of its eurozone partners to help Athens overcome its debt crisis.