Greece's first post-bailout budget draft predicts 2.5-pct growth in 2019

Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-22 06:05:26|Editor: yan
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ATHENS, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Greek government tabled in parliament on Wednesday the country's first post-bailout state budget draft which envisages 2.5-percent economic growth in 2019 from 2.1 percent this year, and relief measures, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

Greece's primary surplus will exceed the 3.5 percent initial target set for 2018, allowing the government room to support the weaker social groups, households and businesses which suffered during the eight-year debt crisis, according to a statement issued by the Greek Finance Ministry.

Greece formally exited in August this year, the third of the harsh bailout programs implemented since 2010, which helped the debt laden country stay afloat and in the euro zone.

Athens can now gradually change the mixture of fiscal policy, the ministry said, outlining measures such as the reduction of taxes and social insurance contributions.

A vote on the budget plan is expected by Dec. 18.

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