As part of drawing up the state budget for 2017, the General Accounting Office is urging municipal and regional authorities to focus on balancing their budgets and working towards surpluses.
According to a report in Ta Nea, a circular has been issued by the Alternate Minister of Finance Giorgos Houliarakis, where the local government is urged to slash expenses for electricity, water, telecommunications, transportation and overtime pay.
Furthermore, any funding and grants towards public corporate bodies, sports and cultural associations and welfare benefits must be kept to a minimum and within the budget framework.
