Greek Parliament Adopts Proposal for Third Aid Package

Greek parliamentarians this morning, with the support of opposition parties, adopted the proposal for a third international aid package, as it was evident that there was significant disagreement within the government coalition, reports the Patria News Agency.

The document was passed after a marathon session that lasted all night and was marked by procedural delays and a heated debate over the three-year aid package of 85 billion euros, which includes sharp spending cuts and tax increases.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is facing strong criticism within his Syriza party from hardline officials for yielding to creditors' demands for austerity measures, leading many to vote against it.

AP reports that there is also a threat that the split in his party could lead to early elections.

The Greek parliament began its debate last night, and the vote had to be held before the meeting of eurozone finance ministers in Brussels, scheduled for 3 PM.