Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras braces himself for parliamentary battle over bailout deal
Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras faces a showdown with leftwing rebels in his ruling party Syriza later today, after accepting a bailout package which capitulated to creditors' demands for more austerity, despite the Greek people resolutely rejecting this in a referendum over a week ago.
Tsipras is due to push a host of new bills such as a streamlined VAT system, more sustainable pensions and an overhaul to the justice system through parliament by tomorrow's deadline, forcing him to rely on votes from pro-European opposition parties, and raising questions about the future of his government.
Reuters said Syriza officials such as energy minister Panagiotis Lafazanis and deputy labour minister Dimistris Stratoulis could be sacked this morning over their opposition to the bailout deal. The future of staunch left-wing speaker Zoe Constantinopoulou could also prove to be a sticking point.
Read more: The Greek deal in numbers
Following a weekend of tough talks, Greece came to a conditional agreement with its creditors yesterday, which may unlock a possible €86bn over three years.
But tension stems from the fact Greece has signed up to more austerity measures and set €50bn of public sector assets aside, to be sold off under the supervision of foreign lenders, with some saying this violates its sovereignty.