Greek MPs approve hefty budget cuts [View all]

[dipsydoodle]

Source: Guardian

Greek MPs have voted to pass a budget for 2013, paving the way for the country to receive further financial aid. The budget was passed with a comfortable majority, unlike the narrow margin secured last week in a vote on an austerity package and labour reforms.

The legislation will impose deep spending cuts on the country's already battered economy, as international lenders demand further austerity in return for assistance. Antonis Samaras's coalition is expected to win the vote just four days after it only narrowly won approval for a multi-year, €13.5bn (£10.8bn) austerity package.

Thousands of people gathered outside the Greek parliament in Syntagma Square, Athens, to urge MPs to vote down the budget. Leading the protest march were flag-waving unionists with the communist-aligned Pame party followed by private and public sector workers.

The protesters' chants included "Out, out, out with the IMF" and "Hands off workers' rights".

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/nov/11/greece-2013-budget-vote

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The austerity measures were passed on Wednesday. This is the actual budget.

Greece MPs approve new austerity budget amid protests.

Greek lawmakers have approved the 2013 budget involving fresh spending cuts, despite mass public street protests.

The budget was passed by 167 votes to 128. The move was a pre-condition for Athens to be granted a 31.5bn euro (£25bn; $40bn) EU/IMF loan necessary to stave off bankruptcy.

Another austerity package of tax rises and pension cuts was passed last week.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20293058