2 September 2008

MADRID -- Socialist politicians in regional governments and town councils nationwide have been asked to tighten their belts by party leader and Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero as he seeks to rein in profligate public spending.

The austerity measures, including salary freezes, were agreed Monday by Zapatero and other senior Socialists at the first meeting of the party's leadership committee following summer vacations that were clouded by the worsening outlook for the Spanish economy.

The government hopes the measures will save EUR 250 million.

Zapatero has requested an opportunity to address Congress about the economic crisis and the government's job creation policy. He will do so next week.

[El Pais / L R Aizpeolea / Expatica]