The crisis - it has come to stay, says Barack Obama

In his first since the election of U.S. President major speech on the economy Barack Obama called on Congress as soon as possible to approve 800-billion plan to stimulate the economy.

"I do not believe that it is already too late to change the course of events, but may be too late if we do not take decisive action as soon as possible - he said. - If nothing is done, the recession could take years." Obama spoke to reporters in Virginia, said the British BBC.

In his speech, he recalled that the output fell to its lowest level in 28 years. Many have been unable to pay the mortgage loans, and the majority of Americans concerned about the future.

He noted that the discount rate close to zero and the continued decline in economic activity the authorities must take action. "Only the Government may in the short term to ensure the recovery necessary to prevent prolonged and deep recession," - said to Barack Obama.

According to , in his speech, President-elect reiterated his support for the U.S. economy, which he intends to make its top priority soon after the forthcoming entry into office.

"I know that the scope of this plan is unprecedented, but the same is the severity of the situation," - said the future head of the White House, adding that if the country does not take action, "the recession could drag on for many years, and unemployment reached double-digit. "

Obama said that his plan will include a number of measures, including tax cuts for the middle class.

He said "95% of working families get a tax cut of $ 1 thousand dollars."

Obama plan also includes the expansion of unemployment benefits, health insurance benefits and doubling the production of alternative forms of energy in the United States.

Obama, whose entry into the post will be held on January 20, devoted his first week in Washington, plans to revive the American economy, at a very serious recession at any time since the 1930's. On Friday, is expected to publish official figures, according to which, in 2008 in the U.S. may have lost their jobs to 2.5 million people.

Obama said that by 2011 would create 3 million new jobs. To enlist the support of his plan from both Democrats and from Republicans, Obama also intends to reduce taxes for businesses and individuals, as well as provide funding for infrastructure development, particularly roads and schools.

Obama has promised that 95% of working families will receive tax relief in the amount of $ 1000 as part of a plan to stimulate consumption. This will be the "first phase of tax cuts for the middle class, which I had promised during the election campaign, which will be included in our next budget," - said the next U.S. president.

The task of Obama, the British journalists, makes it even more difficult is that, according to projections, the U.S. budget deficit in 2009 will reach 1.2 trillion. U.S. - without regard to any immediate plans for saving the economy.