World
Israel passes economic austerity plan
Wednesday, 22 May 2002 12:59
The Israeli parliament has passed an economic austerity plan that it rejected earlier in the week. The plan was passed by 56 votes in favour, 26 against and seven abstentions. The development is being seen as a significant political victory for Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon.
The ultra-Orthodox Jewish Shas party, four of whose ministers were sacked for blocking the vote on Monday, weren't present for today's vote. Mr Sharon may now break with Shas and turn to the centrist secular party, Shinui, for support.
The economic plan was proposed as a measure to reduce a budget deficit swollen by falling tax revenues, and the cost of the 20-month-old Palestinian uprising.
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