German chancellor Angela Merkel has delayed a meeting planned for today with Italian prime minister Mario Monti in Rome, a German government official said, without giving a reason.

News of the delay came shortly after German president Christian Wulff's office announced he would be making a statement later today.

Dr Merkel is due to make a statement a half hour later, fuelling speculation that Mr Wulff, who has been under pressure to resign in a scandal over political favours, will step down.

The official, who declined to be named, said the meeting with Mr Monti was postponed but did not mention another date. Dr Merkel had telephoned Mr Monti to inform him, the official added.

Reuters