FinMin Submits 2015 State Budget to Parliament

The Greek government on Friday tabled in Parliament the 2015 budget plan envisaging a primary surplus of 3.0 pct of GDP (5.6 billion euros) and a growth rate of 2.9 pct.

It will be the first balanced budged on the general government's deficit, while unemployment is projected to fall to 22.6 pct from 24.8 pct this year. In 2014, the primary surplus will surpass a goal of 1.5 pct to rise to 1.8 pct, while the economy will return to positive growth rates for the first time after six years of contraction.

Presenting the budget, Finance Alternate Minister Christos Staikouras said the government will continue its policy of gradually lifting tax burdens with a reduction of tax rates as fiscal goals were achieved.

The debate on the budget will start at the Economic Affairs Committee on November 25 and will be concluded, under a decision by the Conference of the Presidents, in four sessions. Its debate in the Plenary will start on Wednesday, December 3 and will be concluded at a roll-call vote to be held on December 7 at midnight.