It now awaits the signature of Germany's president, Johannes Rau, also a Social Democrat, before becoming law.

ECONOMIST: German immigration law

The most prominent is Johannes Rau, who, as Germany's president, is the highest moral authority in the land.

ECONOMIST: Germany

This time, the opposition has been quarrelling for months over who should succeed the (Social Democrat) president, Johannes Rau, in May.

ECONOMIST: Why it has taken so long to fill a ceremonial post

Top politicians are also attending, among them the boss of the World Trade Organisation, Supachai Panitchpakdi, presidents Vicente Fox of Mexico and Johannes Rau of Germany, King Abdullah II of Jordan and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

BBC: Economic gloom at Davos forum