Greek PM Samaras Clears the Latest Hurdle for Aid Payments

Greek lawmakers passed a bill including plans to fire 15,000 workers by the end of next year as the government of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras cleared the latest hurdle to receiving international aid payments.

A total of 168 lawmakers voted in favor of the law, 123 against and one cast a “present” vote, Parliament Speaker Yannis Tragakis said in remarks carried live on state-run Vouli TV after a roll-call vote.

Greece’s government and international creditors reached an agreement on conditions to receive more aid, including firing state workers and extending a property tax paid through electricity bills for another year, on April 15, paving the way for the disbursement of the 2.8 billion euros ($3.7 billion) remaining from a previous review. Final approval for the payment of the tranche by the euro area is due today, according to Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras.

Bloomberg

This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Corporation or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds.