Germany's Economy Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg said Friday the government will decide on the "viability" of General Motors Corp.'s (GM) restructuring plan for German unit Opel from Monday.

"It is pleasant that a plan is now on the table," zu Guttenberg said in a statement. "We will decide about the viability of it from Monday."

His comments come after German unit Opel plans to increase its independence from General Motors Corp. while not completely cutting ties with the GM Europe network, according to GM Europe Chief Executive Carl-Peter Forster. GM has signaled its willingness to sell a stake in the company, according to Klaus Franz, the head of Opel's workers' council.

Forster told reporters at the Opel brand's headquarters in Ruesselsheim near Frankfurt that Opel needs EUR3.3 billion in capital. GM posted a total loss of $30.9 billion in 2008.

-By Andrea Thomas, Dow Jones Newswires; +49 (0)30 - 2888 410; andrea.thomas@dowjones.com