Amid clashes in Greece, the lawmakers voted early Monday to approve another period of austerity measures in return for a new eurozone bailout of the debt-stricken country. While the lawmakers debated, police officers repressed the demonstrations with tear gas and stun grenades against protesters outside Greece’s Parliament.
During this last confrontation several buildings like a bank, cafes and a movie theater in Athens were set on fire. These hostilities left 25 protesters and 40 officers injured, authorities reported that 30 people were detained.
The package includes deep cuts in government spending, wages and pensions. This measure will help pave the way for eurozone finance ministers to sign off on the new €130 billion ($172,6 billion) bailout deal. Greece needs the funds to meet the €14.5 billion in debt repayments due to next month.
Prime Minister Lucas Papademos stated “At this critical time, we don’t have the luxury of such conflicts,” he urged the lawmakers to approve the deal. (AV)
