Cypriot spokesman says 2009 state budget to focus on development

The 2009 state budget will focus on development projects, Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has said.

He added that the state budget, the first under the governance of President Demetris Christofias, will be “socially sensitive, balanced and focused on development”.

The Council of Ministers convened Wednesday under President Christofias and approved the budget.

Speaking to journalists at the presentation of the state budget, the Spokesman said that emphasis will be given on development projects.

“In total, thirty big development projects will be put forward. Emphasis will also be given on the welfare state, education, culture and health”, he said.

The Spokesman noted that the state budget is based “on the programme of President Christofias and reflects government goals and priorities”.

Stephanou referred to the economic policy of the government, noting that it aims at “securing a strong, competitive and robust economy, which can support a developed social state, able to cover social needs, especially for vulnerable groups, based on the economic capacity of the state, as well as the responsibilities we have undertaken before the EU as full EU member”.