Greek Parliament Approves Fresh Austerity Measures to Secure Bailout Cash

22-May — Greece’s parliament approved a raft of fresh taxes and austerity measures that the country must legislate to unlock further rescue loans, as the country’s most influential creditors—Germany and the International Monetary Fund—remain deadlocked over debt relief.

The measures were backed by the 153 lawmakers from the ruling Syriza party and its junior coalition partner, the Independent Greeks, securing the majority in the 300-seat parliament late Sunday.

But Syriza lawmaker Vasiliki Katrivanou voted against two of the measures included in the bill. Early Monday, Mrs. Katrivanou announced her resignation from parliament. Another Syriza candidate from the prior elections, George Kyritsis, will run in her stead.

Parliamentary approval could pave the way for eurozone finance ministers meeting on Tuesday to clear the next disbursement of funds to Greece. But that could be complicated as the IMF and eurozone governments and especially Germany remain at odds over when Greece should get debt relief and how deep it should be.

“European leaders get the message tonight that Greece meets its obligations,” Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told lawmakers ahead of the vote. “Starting from tomorrow it remains that the other side meets its own and I think this will happen.”

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PG View: Remember when Tsipras and Syriza got elected on the platform of no more austerity? Good times . . .