ATHENS--Greece has met its 2012 budget goals, as the general
government budget deficit narrowed to 12.9 billion euros ($17.6
billion), finance ministry data showed Monday.
"The general government data confirm that government has
achieved its financial targets for 2012," Deputy Finance Minister
Christos Staikouras said in a statement.
The general government deficit in January through December 2012
decreased to EUR12.9 billion, in line with the country's financial
targets, compared with EUR19.7 billion in 2011.
The primary budget surplus on a cash basis was EUR434 million in
2012, versus a EUR3.5 billion deficit the year before.
"These positive developments in the implementation of the budget
indicate that the fiscal consolidation, adaptation and discipline
efforts are paying off, creating the necessary conditions for the
stabilization and gradual restart the economy," Mr. Staikouras
said.
-Write to Nektaria Stamouli at nektaria.stamouli@dowjones.com or
Alkman Granitsas at alkman.granitsas@dowjones.com
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