Athens  - Greece's parliament approved a tight budget early Monday, aimed at curbing the budget deficit to below the European Union's 3-per-cent deficit ceiling, which is likely to fuel anger over spending cuts.

The budget was passed with 151 votes against 146 with the support of the ruling conservative Nea Dimokratia party.

Speculation over a government reshuffle is on the rise in Athens as the ruling party plunges in opinion polls to 32.5 per cent, while the opposition socialist Pasok party gets
38.5 per cent support.

The government plans to cut spending, selling assents and cutting pensions to reduce a forecast 2.5-per-cent budget deficit to 2 per cent of the gross domestic product
(GDP), a move opposed by large parts of the population, who fear hard times ahead with the economy slowing.

The country's economy is expected to grow only 2.5 per cent, the European Union said in its November forecast.

Greece was hit by almost two weeks of violent protests, triggered by the fatal police shooting of a teenager. After clashes between police and rioters on the weekend in Athens, Sunday night was quiet, police said. (dpa)