Greek prime minister warns of ‘uncontrolled chaos’ if country defaults
Greece’s plans to avert bankruptcy were in chaos on Friday night as politicians, police and protesters formed a powerful and violent opposition to the internationally-imposed austerity measures.
By Louise Armitstead
TelegraphUK
10 Feb 2012
Lucas Papademos, prime minister, struggled to maintain order in parliament ahead of Sunday’s crucial vote on the budget plans which he needs to win to secure Greece’s €130bn (£109bn) bail-out.
Five ministers resigned in protest over the budget plans, which include tough spending and pension cuts, that were approved on Thursday by political leaders.
Late on Friday night, the remaining memebers of the cabinet approved the draft bill of austerity measures which the country’s parliament will vote on on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, George Karatzaferis, leader of Greek far right in coalition, walked out of the national unity government saying he would refuse to vote on Sunday. Although his party cannot block the vote, his stance rattled European markets.
“Humiliation was imposed on us. I will not tolerate this… no matter how hungry I might be,” he said. “Greece must not and cannot be outside the EU. But it can do without the German boot.”
The Rest…HERE
