ATHENS (MNI) – Greek government revenues remained well below target
in August, according to preliminary data released Friday by the Finance
Minister.
Revenues for the first eight months of the year posted a modest
annual rise of 3.3%, compared to the full-year target for a rise of
13.5% in the accord for IMF-EU loans signed in May.
Expenditures for the same period were down 7.7% on the year,
compared to the full-year target -5.5%. Primary expenditures were down
12.0%, compared to the targeted decline of 5.8%. Debt service outlays
were up 6.6% on the year, compared to a projected full-year rise of
5.5%.
The state deficit in August amounted to E14.5 billion, down 32.2%
from E21.3 billion in the previous-year period. The full-year target is
for a 39.5% deficit fall.
The European Commission, the IMF and the ECB have urged the
ministry to speed up reforms and aggressively counter tax evasion in
order to increase revenues.
On Monday officials from the three organizations will begin a new
round of visits and inspections in Greece and are expected to finalize
with the ministry the draft for next year’s budget.
a_papamiltiadou@hotmail.com
[TOPICS: M$X$$$,MT$$$$,MFX$$$,MGX$$$]
