Even such traditional favors may be difficult to deliver, though, with the White House demanding an austere budget that effectively cuts funding for most domestic programs.

NPR: Central America Trade Deal a Hard Sell

Mr Dervis said Turkey had met all IMF requirements and introduced major reforms to the financial sector, including making the central bank independent and promising an austere budget.

BBC: 'Worst over' for Turkey

Fortunately, Greek lawmakers voted to approve the new austere 2013 budget, paving the way for the next tranche of aid.

FORBES: Stocks Stage Veteran's Day Rally

Roberto Junguito, Mr Uribe's experienced choice as finance minister, says next year's budget will be austere.

ECONOMIST: Uribe's hour

Hundt and Levin are fully aware of the current budget stalemate and the austere climate in Washington.

FORBES: Creating a "Politics of Abundance" to Match Technology Innovation

The proposed budget was already super-austere, because inflation is high and oil prices low, reducing revenues from Mexico's state-owned oil company.

ECONOMIST: Mexico

An immediate commitment to balance the budget might be a rather more austere economic diet than equity investors would desire, even if bond investors took cheer.

ECONOMIST: The markets will reveal which is right

The railway budget came two days ahead of the annual budget, which is widely expected to be an austere one.

BBC: India announces more new trains in railway budget