The Greek Parliament approved on Sunday evening the austerity plan imposed by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to obtain in exchange the new tranche of aid worth 130 billion euros which aims to save the country from default . 199 MPs voted in favor of the measures presented by the Papademos government, 74 against.
More than 40 MPs were expelled from coalition government parties for failing to back the plan. The vote was preceded by a heated debate, during which government representatives evoked dramatic scenarios for Greece in the event of the austerity plan being rejected.
Meanwhile, thousands of people (80 according to the authorities) had gathered outside Parliament to protest against the new measures. Groups of protesters literally set fire to the center of the capital, clashing with the police and setting fires in banks, shops and offices. At least 54 people were injured, the health ministry said. There were also protests in Thessaloniki and at least six banks were damaged.
