Greek parliament passes anti-austerity bill

The Greek parliament adopted on 18 March 2015, with a wide consensus, a 'humanitarian crisis' bill to help its poorest people, ignoring apparent pressure from the European Union to halt the legislation.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was scheduled to meet on the following day with EU leaders in Brussels for the European Council, taking place on 18-19 March 2015. While the Greek bailout was not one of the scheduled discussion topics of the meeting, analysts expected it to be another opportunity to try an agreement or, at least, an advance in the negotiations between Greece and the European Union.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: The long and winding road to reform Greece’s economy http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-long-and-winding-road-to-reform-greeces-economy/

ESO: Background information: Meeting - Eurogroup, 9 March 2015 http://www.europeansources.info/record/meeting-eurogroup-9-march-2015/

Kathimerini, 18.03.15: Parliament adopts new anti-poverty law http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_18/03/2015_548336

Deutsche Welle, 18.03.15: Defying 'troika,' Greek parliament approves aid to poor http://dw.de/p/1Esje

BBC News, 18.03.15: Greece defies EC with anti-austerity law http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31952521

Wall Street Journal, 18.03.15: Greek Parliament Passes Antipoverty Bill http://www.wsj.com/articles/greek-parliament-passes-antipoverty-bill-1426729012

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