VOICED: Debt-wracked Greece plans painful austerity plan

The video discusses the protests in Athens against public spending cuts introduced by Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou to address the country's €300 billion debt. The proposed budget includes a 10% cut in civil servant benefits, which is met with resistance. Economists predict a period of austerity and stabilization, but with Greece's debt and deficit levels, spending cuts alone may not suffice. The government plans fiscal reforms, including a 90% tax on bankers' bonuses, but ordinary Greeks fear higher indirect taxes. The new government, which took power in October, faces the challenge of convincing European partners of its economic plans.

What is the main reason for the public protests in Athens?

• Support for the Prime Minister's measures

• Support for increased public spending

• Opposition to public spending cuts

• Demand for higher civil servant benefits

What is one of the radical measures introduced by the Greek government to address its debt?

• Increasing public spending

• Cutting civil servant benefits by 10%

• Reducing taxes on goods

• Increasing salaries for state employees

What is the estimated size of Greece's debt compared to Germany's?

• Half the size

• Three times the size

• Equal in size

• Twice the size

What is a concern among ordinary Greeks regarding the government's fiscal plans?

• Increase in public debt

• Reduction in civil servant jobs

• Higher indirect taxes on goods

• Decrease in public services

What challenge does the Greek government face in January in Brussels?

• Convincing European partners of Greece's economic progress

• Introducing new public spending measures

• Reducing the public deficit to below 10%

• Increasing civil servant benefits