Greek Parliament approves third bailout but SYRIZA rebellion grows

Greek Parliament approved on Friday morning the country’s new bailout agreement with lenders but there was a sizeable rebellion from SYRIZA MPs, which may lead to Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras calling a confidence vote.

In the morning vote, which took place following a tempestuous night of debate, 222 MPs voted “yes” and 64 “no.” There were 11 abstentions and 3 absentees.

However, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras saw the number of SYRIZA lawmakers opposing the new loan deal rise in comparison to two bailout-related votes last month. A total of 32 MPs voted against the agreement, while 11 abstained. Another was absent.

This means that the number of coalition MPs who backed the bailout fell to 118, which is below the minimum of 120 votes that the government would need to survive a censure motion in Parliament.

As a result, Tsipras is reportedly considering calling a confidence vote next week. The result of that ballot could decide whether Greece will head for snap elections.

"We will follow the parliamentary rules and the constitution," said government spokesperson Olga Gerovasili after the vote, without specifying when the prime minister might ask for a vote of confidence.

New Democracy lawmaker Makis Voridis dismissed the idea of the conservatives supporting Tsipras in the ballot, which is expected after August 20. "New Democracy giving the government a vote of confidence? There is no chance of that," he said.