Budget talk in Parliament
Economy and Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis is preparing to face a parliamentary economic commitee on the government budget. Alogoskoufis said the Finance Ministry is re-examining 2008 budget figures as it works on putting together next year’s financial plan for the state. The minister, however, stopped short of saying whether he will revise lower the government’s economic growth target. Concerns are growing that Greece’s 3.6 percent gross domestic product estimate for 2008 may be out of the government’s reach due to adverse international market conditions. The inflation target stands at an annual average of 3.5 percent, according to the budget plan. Alogoskoufis also said he could not comment on the course of the budget.
