Greek parliament approves crucial financial measures
The Greek parliament on Wednesday approved a controversial package of tax hikes and spending cuts, clearing the way for $17 billion in international emergency loans needed to stave off a possible default.
The largely party-line vote gives Prime Minister George Papandreou a critical victory in the midst of crisis talks with other European leaders and the International Monetary Fund.
The approval comes despite a two-day nationwide strike and continued violent demonstrations. Police and protesters clashed in Athens for a second day Wednesday as the nation’s lawmakers debated the legislation needed to secure the international emergency loans that will help keep the country solvent.