Europe

Greek Lawmakers Approve New Bailout Austerity Measures

In a vote that happened after midnight, Greek lawmakers approved new austerity measures required as a part of a nearly $100 billion bailout deal.

Greek Lawmakers Approve New Bailout Austerity Measures
Getty Images / Milos Bicanski
SMS

Greek lawmakers gave a reluctant "yes" to further austerity measures as part of a nearly $100 billion bailout package from the European Union. 

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/demonstrators-display-the-greek-flag-in-front-of-parliament-news-photo/480804424

The approval from the Greek Parliament came after a debate that lasted well past midnight. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras battled some within his own party to earn enough votes to pass the measures — which he previously opposed. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULmAZL3QWwg

While lawmakers voted inside, demonstrators clashed with police outside, with some hurling homemade bombs. Many were frustrated over the reforms, which would cut pensions and raise taxes, and the fact that the deal is similar to one Greek voters rejected less than two weeks earlier. 

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33535205

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/protesters-clash-with-riot-police-in-front-of-the-greek-news-photo/480804872

The deal comes just as Greece is facing a debt payment to the European Central Bank it can't hope to make without the bailout. Greece owes $330 billion to its creditors. 

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/an-eu-flag-and-flags-of-greece-flutter-in-the-wind-on-a-news-photo/480056108

This video includes images from Getty Images.