Spain's public debt is set to reach 85.3% of gross domestic product in 2012 and 90.5% in 2013, well above previous forecasts, according to figures in a draft budget submitted to parliament on Saturday.
The budget approved by Prime Minister Marian Rajoy's right-wing cabinet on Thursday, tightens austerity in the teeth of growing protests, easing the path to a widely expected sovereign bailout.
"The budget must act as a lever to overcome the crisis and restore confidence in Spain," Budget Minister Cristobal Montoro told a press conference Saturday.
"It must open the way to growth and job creation in the country."
The cash-strapped government estimates total funding requirements this year to reach 207.173 billion euros gross as it struggles to service its debt amid a massive financial crisis.
Copyright © 2012 Naharnet.com. All Rights Reserved. | https://cdn.naharnet.com/stories/en/55256 |