Via The Hindu:
Greece’s prime minister was fighting to keep his government intact in the face of outrage over an austerity bill that parliament must pass Wednesday night if the country is to start negotiations on a new bailout and avoid financial collapse.
The raft of consumer tax increases and pension reforms will condemn Greeks to years of more economic hardship and has fueled anger among the governing left-wing Syriza party.
Civil servants protested with a 24-hour strike that disrupted public transport and shut down state-run services across the country. Demonstrations were due to be held outside Parliament.
The bill is expected to pass with votes in favour by pro-European opposition parties. But the vote will almost certainly see large numbers of Syriza lawmakers dissent and vote against the package.