The Greek parliament voted “Nai” (or “Yes”) for the measures agreed with Greece’s creditors, for the launch of formal negotiations on the third rescue plan for the country. The debate itself ended at 1.40 GMT, just 40 minutes after the deadline, which was set by creditors. Then each member had to say clearly to the ears of “yes” or “no.” One of the first vote was former Finance Minister Yannis Varoufakis, known for his sharp tongue, which clearly rule “no”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has lost its majority. Even before the end of the vote over 20 MPs from his party voted against the reforms. So far the government coalition relied on 162 votes. Of the total 142 MPs of SYRIZA six abstained and 32, including Varoufakis voted “no”. The 229 deputies cast votes for passage to “prior actions” required by lenders in connection with the new rescue package. 64 voted against, and only six voted “abstention”.
After speculation that will not appear in parliament this evening, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to join the debate. “Colleagues, we are at a critical time … we need to decide and take responsibility”, he told the MPs. “I take full responsibility for everything and I feel proud of the fight we fight over the last few years”, said Tsipras before the full hall.
During the debate before Parliament became bloody clashes. Demonstrators, whose number was growing by the minute, throwing firebombs at the building, and the police responded with batons and tear gas. They arrested more than 40 protesters. The decision of the parliament in Athens means the adoption of tough package of measures, including tax increases, pension reforms and spending cuts demanded by the eurozone before the vote on the third bailout. The results make the situation very difficult for Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who tonight lost the support of a significant number of members of his party voted against the measures, adds Guardian. It said it is bigger rebellion than last Friday when MPs voted on whether to send Tsipras in Brussels to negotiate a third aid package. This is because the prime minister returned home with much more painful than expected program.
The finance ministers of the Eurozone countries will hold an emergency telephone conference on Thursday, which will discuss the latest developments in Greece, reported AFP, referring to the information published in the official account of the Dutch finance minister and chairman of the Eurogroup Jeroen Diselblum on Twitter.
Meanwhile, the French Parliament approved the idea of a credit line for Greece before the vote in Athens by a large majority – 412 votes “for”.
