Its government entered the crisis with budget surpluses in 2006 and 2007 and an unusually low level of debt, 38% of GDP, in 2009.

FORBES: The Enemy Within

So, basically, Poland is a country whose government habitually ran budget deficits before, during, and after the crisis, whose government spends a greater percentage of GDP than Latvia, and which did not cut spending in response to the crisis.

FORBES: If Austerity Is So Awesome Why Hasn't Poland Tried It? (Updated)

Developments on the European Union financial and sovereign debt crisis front include an Italian government vote on its budget.

FORBES: Comex Gold Trades Near Steady; Fresh News Regarding EU Debt Crisis Awaited

Lower oil prices, a currency devaluation and possibly a budget crisis are all possibilities, not to mention a change of government.

BBC: Equity markets stay strong despite economic uncertainty

Before the crisis the federal government was within sight of its cherished goal of balancing its budget by 2011.

ECONOMIST: Germany's chancellor: Merkel is the message | The

Detroit is still suffering from the collapse of the auto industry, and Washington DC is trying to shake off its reputation as a staid government town - especially with the looming threat of a federal shutdown caused by the ongoing US budget crisis.

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When the government had to borrow billions to finance its operations, any failure to pass a budget would trigger a financial crisis.

ECONOMIST: Budgetary follies

Oh yes, and despite a financial crisis that has cost the government around 20% of GDP, Iceland is expected to have a budget surplus by by 2013.

BBC: Icelandic lessons for the eurozone