Spanish economy returns to pre-crisis levelJuly 28, 2017 - 19:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Growing exports and increasing spending by households have boosted the Spanish economy back to the size it was before the 2008 financial crisis, RT reports. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), the economy accelerated by 0.9 percent in the three months to June, up from up from 0.8 percent at the beginning of the year. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) has grown 3.1 percent from a year ago. Spain was pushed into an extended double-dip recession after the property market crash in 2008. The country's banking system was bailed out at the peak of Europe's debt crisis in 2012. Since then, the government managed to slash wages, increase exports and bring the budget deficit in line with EU fiscal rules. Exports have strongly risen in recent months, while robust growth in job creation triggered a rebound in household spending. “We believe consumer spending growth appeared to regain some momentum in the second quarter, continuing to ride on the back of strong employment creation and a comfortable financial climate,” said Raj Badiani, an economist at IHS Markit, as quoted by Reuters. The jobless rate, which is still the second highest in the eurozone at 17.2 percent, has fallen to its lowest since July 2009. According to the current government forecast, the economy will continue growing and will expand by at least three percent in 2017. “The better-than-expected performance in the first half of 2017 appears to be underpinned by continued strong employment growth, while exports continue to surprise on the upside in line with better demand conditions across key markets in the eurozone and a more competitive currency,” Badiani said. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |