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Greece shuts museums as cut backs cause staff shortage

Greece has shut more than 40 museums, archeological sites, and other popular tourist attractions because of staff cutbacks to save money.

The country, which is mired in recession, has a public spending deficit of 12.7 per cent of GDP and has embarked on a series of measures to rein in spending.

One was to cancel a recruitment drive for 2,584 full-time employees by the ministries of tourism and culture.

The Socialist government released a list of 22 archeological sites and 23 museums that have been totally or partially closed for lack of staff. The National Archeological Museum of Athens, as well as those of Delphi and Sparta, face evening and weekend closures due to lack of security personnel.
Read entire article at Telegraph (UK)