Spain takes more steps to avoid debt market chaos

Spain's prime minister says the government will sell off a 30 percent stake in its lottery business and partially privatize airports in Madrid and Barcelona to ease market worries about public finances.

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero made the announcements in Parliament after Spain has been pummeled in recent weeks by investors who fear that the country may need a bailout like those received by Greece and Ireland.

The government will also stop paying euro420 ($549) per month in February to people whose unemployment benefits have expired.

Zapatero's announcements on Wednesday were made to convince investors Spain is taking strong steps to stabilize the eurozone's fourth largest economy so it won't need outside help. A Spanish bailout would test Europe's finances.