Brussels, 04/11/2010 (Agence Europe) - Congratulating Portugal for voting through its 2011 budget in parliament on 3 November 2010, a spokesperson for EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn said on Thursday 4 November that the aim to cut the deficit from 7.3% to 4.6% of GDP was “appropriate” but the consolidation would have to make a considerable impact in years to come. Although recognising the negative impact on the country's economy of consolidating the budget in 2011, the spokesperson said the consolidation was indispensable to lay the foundations for growth and job creation in the medium and long term. The spokesperson strongly encouraged the Portuguese government to avoid any slippage in public spending this year in order to reach the set objectives earlier than planned. (M.B. trans fl)