Germany has long been one of the loudest proponents of the need for austerity. But its near-term plans (tightening worth 0.4% of GDP in 2011) are modest.

德国一直以来都是支持紧缩方案的最强烈拥护者之一，但它的近期应对措施却很温和(在2011年收紧相当于0.4%的GDP的财政支出)。

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However, in the May 6 U.K. election the Conservative party made much of the need for austerity.

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All three parties accept the need for austerity.

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The concerns in the U.S. were not helped by the wake-up call from California on Friday that severe problems related to record government debt loads, and the need for austerity, are not confined to Europe.

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