June 30, 2011
Greek lawmakers passed legislation implementing a crucial five-year, €28.4 billion ($40.99 billion) austerity plan, paving the way for the country to receive fresh aid from its international creditors.
Voting mostly along party lines, the measure was approved by a vote of 155 in favor and 136 against, and comes one day after a separate, closely fought parliamentary vote approving the overall outlines of the plan.
In a speech to Parliament just ahead of the vote, Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos said the measures were critical for Greece to overcome the financial crisis that has gripped the country for more than a year.
"What is needed here, with clean heart and absolute sincerity, is to help the country stand again on its own two feet," Mr. Venizelos said in an appeal to lawmakers.
Although Greece's main opposition New Democracy party voted against the bill, members said they supported nearly half the measures contained in the legislation.
The measures they supported related mainly to planned privatizations and asset sales, structural reforms and cuts in government spending.
But the vote also came as a relief to Greece's European partners, who feared a rout in European financial markets if the bill hadn't carried, potentially affecting other highly indebted euro-zone countries.
In a joint statement issued after the vote, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy were quick to assure that the Greek moves would unlock funds for the country.
"The conditions are now in place for a decision on the disbursement of the next tranche of financial assistance for Greece and for rapid progress on a second assistance package," the two leaders said. "We reiterate Europe's unwavering support and solidarity for the Greek people, in whose future we are confident."
More
No comments:
Post a Comment