Second austerity bill approved by Greek MPs

30/06/11 19:27 CET

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A second austerity bill has been passed in the Greek parliament, as opponents continue to protest outside.

The result means the IMF and the EU will now release a further bailout payment for Greece to avoid bankruptcy.

A separate bill on further tax rises, public spending cuts and privatisations was approved yesterday.

The yes votes come despite demonstrations and rioting that rocked Athens.

Today workers were cleaning up after some of the worst clashes to date in the row over the country’s push to implement belt-tightening measures.

The latest international loan instalment to Greece is expected to be approved this weekend.

But the country will still need a second bailout package, still to be negotiated.

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