Greek Parliament Approves Third Financial Rescue Package

The Greek Parliament approved the third financial rescue package (agreement for receiving financial aid) from international lenders on Friday morning. According to this agreement, the Greek government will receive 85 billion euros in financial aid over the next three years in exchange for implementing austerity measures, including tax increases and spending cuts. Previously, the Greek Parliament had approved the necessary reforms for financial aid, and Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, described the 85 billion euro package as the 'last effort' to resolve the crisis caused by Greece's debts and their non-repayment, a crisis that put Athens at risk of exiting the euro currency and even the European Union. Alexis Tsipras, the Prime Minister of Greece, succeeded in passing this agreement in Parliament with the support of the opposition. More than 40 members of the left-wing Syriza party did not support their party member, the Prime Minister. According to The Guardian, Mr. Tsipras told representatives before the vote that this financial rescue package is a 'necessary choice' for the country. Opponents of the financial rescue package in the Greek Parliament criticized the Prime Minister, stating that he accepted the most severe austerity measures. Yanis Varoufakis, the former Minister of Finance of Greece, also stated that he supports the Prime Minister but cannot vote for this agreement. Meanwhile, thousands protested against the government's austerity decisions in front of the Greek Parliament. This agreement, which was passed thanks to the supportive vote of opposition representatives, has increased the rift within Alexis Tsipras's coalition government.