The World - News from Dec. 19, 1988

Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou, whose Socialist government has been hit by resignations and economic scandals, won a crucial budget vote in Parliament. Papandreou had said that his government would resign unless Parliament approved his 1989 budget. All 156 deputies of Papandreou’s ruling party voted for the bill--five more than needed in the 300-seat Parliament. The budget, designed to boost spending on education, health and welfare, predicts a deficit of about $9.26 billion compared to $7.73 billion for 1988. Papandreou called the outcome a vote of confidence in his government in the wake of criticism over its handling of recent economic scandals that led to the resignation of five members of the Cabinet.