Greek parliament passes bailout reforms thanks to opposition support

Greek parliament passes bailout reforms thanks to opposition support
By Euronews with euronews, Reuters.
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Prime MInister Alexis Tsipras is deserted by Syriza party rebels, but he still gets tough reforms demanded by Greece's lenders, adopted with opposition help

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Greece’s parliament has passed tough economic measures demanded by lenders to open talks on a new multibillion -euro bailout.

The package was adopted with 229 votes in the 300-seat chamber but dozens of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s own Syriza party refused to back the legislation forcing him to rely on opposition support.

Among the rebels was former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis who had earlier written a scathing blog about the deal.

During the heated parliamentary debate Tsipras had made an emotional appeal:

“I will admit that the measures we are tabling are harsh, and I don’t agree with them, I don’t believe they will help the Greek economy, and I say so openly, but I also say that I must implement them, that is our difference.”

After the vote several rebel ministers emerged unclear whether a cabinet reshuffle was on the way.

Reporting for euronews outside parliament was Stamatis Giannisis:

“In spite of the heavy loses he sustained from his own parliamentary group Alexis Tsipras won the day with the help of the opposition. The day after however is uncertain for the Greek prime minister as his authority has come under question first and foremost by his own party. “

Eurozone finance ministers are due to hold a conference call today ( Thursday July 16) to discuss the vote.

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