(VOVworld) – The Greek Parliament has voted to accept more austerity measures demanded by the Eurozone to open negotiations for a new bailout package.

(Photo: AFP)

The bill passed with 229 votes in favor, but 38 Syriza lawmakers abstained or voted against the bill, which imposes sweeping tax hikes and spending cuts. The vote followed a stormy debate in which dozens of lawmakers on the left of the ruling Syriza party rebelled against Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and opposed the package, which passed with the support of 3 pro-EU opposition parties.