As expected, the Greek Council of Ministers has approved the new austerity package to bail out Greece. This reported State television (NET), citing a Government spokesman. The semi-governmental news agency Ana confirmed the vote.
The approval of Sparprogrammes is one of the conditions for further assistance from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Without the new austerity package amounting to 130 billion euros, Greece would be broke by 20 March.
The Greek Parliament to the decisive vote on the cost will come together on Sunday night. The heads of the two major ruling parties advertised to approve their members: after Socialist Chief Giorgos Papandreou also Antonis of Samaras, the Chairman of the conservative party new democracy (ND), for the savings package spoke out. The country must continue to exist and are available on own legs can Samaras said in a speech to members of the ND.
Citizens protest against austerity package.
Wide protest against the plan was formed on the streets. Thousands took part in strikes and demonstrations, public life was largely shut down. Members of the Communist Party (KKE) hung up on the Acropolis, the landmark of Athens, a large banner with the slogan Down with the dictatorship of the monopolies of the EU. The two largest trade union federations in the country had called for the strikes.
The Kabinettsentscheidung was preceded by a dispute between the partners of the ruling coalition and the party affiliation Minister-President Lucas of Papademos. The small far-right Laos party refused allegiance and withdrew its ministers from the Government. The majority in crucial voting in Parliament seems to be still safe. Papademos plans a reshuffle after the information from his Office. To follow this but probably no earlier than after the vote in Parliament.
