Looking ahead: Greece prepares to approve budget

ATHENS: Greece’s parliament prepared to approve next year’s budget, which forecasts an end to the recession that has gripped the country since 2008.

The coalition government has a four-seat majority in parliament, and the budget is expected to pass, notably since more controversial legislation covering property issues will be debated separately next week. “I do not expect [a setback],” Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras said in reference to the budget vote.

The budget plans for Greece’s deep recession to end next year with 0.6 percent growth following a 4.0 percent contraction in 2013. The text submitted to lawmakers also forecasts an extra $2.8 billion in tax revenue and a €3.1 billion cut to state spending.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2013.

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