Greece cuts way back on defense

Posted By Joshua Keating Friday, April 30, 2010 - 11:43 AM Share

Greece's new austerity measures, which will include cuts in public sector salaries, pensions, as well as tax increases, have provoked widespread, and occasionally violent, protests. But the country's military is taking a big hit as well: 

Defense Minister Evangelos Venizelos Greece is aiming to slash operating costs by up to 25 percent in 2010 from 2009, instead of the planned reduction of 12.6 percent listed in this year's budget.

"That is a colossal amount, reaching the margin of our operating needs," Venizelos said, insisting that the cuts were not a direct result of the Greek debt crisis, nor would affect the strategic balance with historic rival Turkey. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is to visit Athens next month.

Strangely, Venizelos says the cuts are not a response to the financial crisis, but are "mandated by the modern views of military planning." Not really sure what school of military planning mandates a 25 percent lower budget, but okay.

Greece currently has 15 troops stationed in Afghanistan.  

EXPLORE:ECONOMICS, MILITARY
 

Passport, FP’s flagship blog, brings you news and hidden angles on the biggest stories of the day, as well as insights and under-the-radar gems from around the world.

Read More