BONN. Apr 29: Germany could experience a second "economic miracle” similar to that which followed its defeat in World War Two. Finance Minister Theo Waigel said yesterday, reports Reuter

In the latest manifestation of the government's efforts to "talk up" the country's economic performance ahead ot the general election In October. Waigel said efforts to climb out of recession were beginning to pay olf

Speaking tn parliament, he quoted remarks from one of hi* Social Democratic (SPD) predecessors. Karl Schiller, in 1990 predicting that United Germany would experience a new "Wirtschaftswunder.”

The prophecy of one of Germany's most capable ero-

nomic experts is proving more ■nd more strongly to be accurate.” Waigel aaid

But the opposition quickly charged that he was glossing over the country's economic problems, especially unemployment.

The SPD, which is leading in opinion polls ahead of the election, poured scorn on Waigel's optimism and com pared the present hesitant recovery with a "tender spring plant vulnerable to Q-ost.”

“It is based primarily on a pick-up in foreign demand and on nothing else. SPD parlia mentary leader Hans-Ulrich Klose said.

The federal ataUaUcs office released preliminary coat-of-Ifving figures for April showing inflation picked up slightly