Austerity measures
Spanish government approves spending cuts in education and health
AP
Madrid
04/20/2012
The measures include hikes in what people covered by the state health system pay for medicines over the counter and increases in university entry fees.
Spain's cabinet ministers. Photo: EFE
Spain's conservative government approved on Friday a 10 billion euro ($13 billion) package of spending cuts and increased charges in education and health, part of an austerity drive to reduce its deficit and convince investors it won't need a bailout.
Speaking in Colombia on the eve of Friday's meeting, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the measures were necessary because there was no money to pay for the services.
The measures include hikes in what people covered by the state health system pay for medicines over the counter.
In education, the government approved increases in university entry fees, raise pupil-teacher ratios in schools and working hours for teachers.