(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency) Efforts to pass tough austerity measures were set to dominate in Greece's Parliament Wednesday as leaders work to secure a new bailout designed to keep the country out of bankruptcy.
But the way ahead for the legislation was anything but smooth, with strenuous legislative opposition expected against the backdrop of mounting rancor among everyday Greek citizens.
Labour unions were setto begin 24-hour strikes, while political factions planned demonstrations across the country.
The bill, which was presented in parliament Tuesday, was drawn upbased on creditors' demands after a crucial eurozone summit where a preliminary agreement was reached in which the reforms were promised in exchange for the country's third bailout, worth up to 86 billion euros (94 billion dollars).
The law is expected to be adopted, with the backing of pro-European opposition parties as well as the ruling SYRIZA - even though some of the ruling party's lawmakers are expected to defect.
The measures include streamlining Greece's value-added tax system, reforming its pension system and safeguarding the independence of the national statistics office ELSTAT.
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