In exchange for a eurozone bailout of $123 billion, Spain’s conservative government Wednesday slashed $80 billion from its budget over the next two and a half years through a combination of sales tax hikes and spending cuts. That’s in addition to $92 billion dropped by the country’s previous administration.

Spain’s government and banks will come under greater supervision by the European Union, while the Spanish public suffers further wage reductions, the closure of state-owned companies and an increase in the retirement age from 65 to 67, among other deprivations, included below.

— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly

The Associated Press:

— €660 million of cuts in government spending beyond the reductions already outlined in the 2012 budget — wage cuts for civil servants and members of the national parliament — further closures of state-owned companies — tax deductions for homeowners to be scrapped — a 30 percent cut in the number of town councilors — slight reduction in unemployment pay, designed to encourage jobless people to seek work more quickly. — 20 percent cut in government subsidies to political parties and labor unions. — possible privatization of ports, railways and airports

Read more

Your support is crucial...

As we navigate an uncertain 2025, with a new administration questioning press freedoms, the risks are clear: our ability to report freely is under threat.

Your tax-deductible donation enables us to dig deeper, delivering fearless investigative reporting and analysis that exposes the reality beneath the headlines — without compromise.

Now is the time to take action. Stand with our courageous journalists. Donate today to protect a free press, uphold democracy and uncover the stories that need to be told.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG