(MNI) – Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the Eurogroup of Eurozone
finance ministers, on Wednesday welcomed the decision of the Greek
parliament to approve the additional austerity measures proposed by the
government and required by Greece’s European partners and the
International Monetary Fund as a condition of further financial aid.
“I am very happy and relieved that the Greek Parliament has
followed the government and has voted in favor of the new multi-year
program of budgetary adjustment and of structural reforms,” he said in a
statement following the decision by Greek lawmakers to support the
measures.
“With this program, Greece cements its commitment to redress its
economic and budgetary situation. The way is clear as of this moment for
the disbursement of the fifth tranche of bilateral loans from the
members of the Eurozone and from the IMF,” Juncker added.
That tranche is E12 billion and will keep Greece financially afloat
at least until September, when the next tranche is due.
Juncker urged the Greek opposition to support the government “in
these grave and crucial times,” calling it “the hour for collective
responsibility and national union.”
However, only one opposition member of Parliament voted for the
government-backed measures today. Five others voted “present,” while one
member of the government’s own party voted against the package.
–Frankfurt bureau tel.: +49-69-720142. Email: dbarwick@marketnews.com
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