Allora, nel w.e. dibattito parlamentare per il piano di tagli, che riduce del 4% (contro il 3,6% precedentemente indicato... bello sforzo...) il deficit/PIL rispetto al dato 2009. Poi, secondo DJ Newswires, entro Natale arriverà la decisione di Moody's, e dobbiamo attenderci un nuovo downgrade.
DJ Debt-Hit Greece Gears For Crucial Budget Debate
18.12.09 11:20:03
Greece gears for a crucial budget debate this weekend as the country struggles to confront its massive debt, which has put pressure on the euro and alarmed markets worldwide.
ATHENS -- Greece Friday geared for a crucial budget debate this weekend as the
country struggled to confront its massive debt, which has put pressure on the
euro and alarmed markets worldwide.
Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou will head the Socialist government's
call for radical spending cuts to curb Greece's EUR300 billion debt and an
deficit estimated at 12.7% of output.
The government's targeted cuts already go beyond the planned deficit reduction
of 3.6% included in next year's budget, as the finance minister has already
indicated he will be gunning for a 4% cut.
"The budget target will not change in the text to be voted this week, but the
policy to be subsequently adopted will be more aggressive," a finance ministry
official told AFP Friday.
Papaconstantinou, who Thursday completed a three-day tour of European capitals
seeking to reassure other governments and institutions, will give a press
conference later Friday.
The debate opens Saturday afternoon and the budget will be put to a vote in
the 300-seat chamber Wednesday. The ruling party has a 10-seat parliamentary
majority and is expected to carry the vote.
Markets have been on edge after ratings agency Standard & Poor's lowered
Greece's long-term credit rating.
Another main rating agency, Moody's, is expected to issue a judgment by
Christmas after warning Greece in October that its grade could be cut.
The country is also mired in recession and has an unemployment rate which
authorities said Thursday had risen to 9.3% in the third quarter, up from 7.2%
in the same period in 2008.
The austerity program outlined by Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou
Monday has already been attacked by Communist and leftist unions.
Thousands took part in protests across Greece Thursday against the
government's austerity measures.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires