Final 2014 budget sees a 812 mln euro primary surplus in 2013

“The surplus is more than double the surplus forecast in the draft budget submitted a month ago, while the fiscal adjustment programme of the Greek economy had forecast a zero surplus,” Staikouras said.
The primary surplus is expected to rise to 812 million euros in 2013 or 0.4 percent of GDP and

2.9 billion euros or 1.6 percent of GDP in 2014.
Public deficit is forecast at 2.2 percent of GDP (3.9 billion euros) in 2013 and 2.3 percent of GDP (4.2 billion euros) in 2014.
According to the final 2014 budget, the Greek economy is expected to return to growth of 0.6 percent in 2014, compared to a 4.0 percent recession this year, while the unemployment rate will fall to 24.5 pct in 2014 from 25.5 pct this year.
Staikouras said this positive development combined with achieving a primary surplus this year created a starting point to continuing efforts currently under way towards a sustainable growth, and he noted that structural changes were needed in the economy, along with promoting a privatization programme.
The privatization programme has offered revenues worth 3.8 billion euros to the state since the beginning of operations of Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund in July 2011, he added.\
Discussion on the draft of the 2014 budget, tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras on Thursday, will begin at the relevant permanent committee on November 25 and be completed over four sessions, said Parliament president Evangelos Meimarakis soon after receiving it.
Discussion of the budget at the Parliament’s plenum is expected to begin on December 3 or 4, he said, and will be completed over five sessions, including the vote by roll call.

source: ΑΜΝΑ