Controversial anti-EU and anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders, the leader of the Freedom party, called Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte a “Pinocchio” because of his alleged false promises regarding the stance on Greece.
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There were 63 anti-bailout votes from the conservative benches, three more than at the last German vote on aid for Greece in July.
The Eurogroup approved a third, 86 billion euro ($95 billion) bailout package for Greece on August 14.
“After the experience of the past months and years, there are no guarantees that everything will work, and doubts are always permitted”, Schaeuble told lawmakers, who were recalled from their summer vacation for the vote. “But due to the fact that the Greek parliament has already approved a big part of the measures, it would be irresponsible not to use the chance for a new beginning in Greece now”.
While 453 members of the Bundestag voted in favour of the 86-billion-euro (96-billion-dollar) bailout for cash-strapped Greece, 113 opposed it. A further 18 abstained Wednesday. Three conservatives abstained. More than half of the No’s came from Merkel’s ranks.
Support from parties including the Social Democrats, Merkel’s junior coalition partner, and the opposition Greens ensured the approval. Merkel’s not the only one facing a potential rebellion.
The German parliament has backed the latest €86bn (£60bn) Greek bailout, opening the way for the immediate release of funds to help Athens pay debts, refinance its banks and support reforms. These have since been eased slightly, but not removed.
“There are serious risks, such as execution risks, given the Greek political situation”, Economy Minister Luis de Guindos told parliament in a special session on the deal Greece reached with its creditors, seen as helping it stay in the euro zone.
Schauble did not comment on the paper that he circulated on Thursday, in which concern was raised about “open questions” that the Greek bailout deal did not address.
Talks: German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble (pictured with Merkel) is a senior member of the German Chancellor’s Christian Democratic Party. The vote is expected Wednesday afternoon.
The Dutch parliament did not have to formally give its approval, but Rutte said it would have been politically hard for him to sign off on the European loans to Athens if a majority of lawmakers had rejected the plan.
Fraport spokesperson Joerg Machacek was quoted by Bloomberg as saying: “The Greek Government’s decision is not tantamount to the conclusion of a contract but rather offers a basis for the resumption of negotiations“.
Despite his U-turn, Tsipras has remained popular and is believed to be well-placed to win a forthcoming election. Tsipras won power only in January and fresh elections would be the third in as many years.
The International Monetary Fund has said it will refuse to participate in a new rescue programme unless there is an “explicit and concrete agreement” on debt relief from the country’s creditors. “But that’s not even necessary now”, Dijsselbloem said.
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Some pressure on Greece is easing a little already.
