Greek prime minister survives confidence vote
June 21st, 2011
06:34 PM ET

Greek prime minister survives confidence vote

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou's reshuffled Cabinet survived a vote of confidence early Wednesday despite widespread opposition to budget cuts he says are needed to prevent a government default.

International lenders have demanded Greece cut spending, lay off public workers, raise taxes and raise 50 billion euros ($71 billion) through selling off state-owned enterprises in exchange for a bailout of the cash-strapped nation. Vehement protests against the austerity measures spurred Papandreou (pictured) to shake up his government last week, leading to Wednesday's 155-143 vote.

Lawmakers are slated to vote on the privatization plan and further tax increases, pension cuts and layoffs on June 30. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told CNN on Tuesday that Greece risks being abandoned by both Europe and the International Monetary Fund if it fails to act.

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soundoff (5 Responses)
  1. Riff*Raff

    Papandreou has brought Greece to the verge of bankruptcy twice and today he wins a vote of confidence by his parliament? If that's not insanity, I don't know what is.
    Greece, you get the government that you deserve. Sounds like it's time to do some housecleaning of your elected officials. Thankfully the EU/IMF will step in with more loans to keep your country afloat until the next financial fiasco.

    June 21, 2011 at 7:43 pm | Report abuse |
  2. funky bunch

    Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein.

    June 21, 2011 at 8:35 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Cesar The Chorizo Champ Of Chihuahua

    Riff Raff, the same as Ruffnut?

    June 21, 2011 at 8:45 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Joey Isotta-Fraschini

    I've been in Greece during elections.
    As the counting of votes was announced, citizens laughed as if they were watching an early Jerry Lewis film.
    It's a beautiful country.

    June 22, 2011 at 5:22 am | Report abuse |
  5. Cosmotologist to the Stars

    He really needs a makeover. Maybe a little rouge and some highlights.

    June 22, 2011 at 6:00 am | Report abuse |
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