The Greek parliament on Friday passed a second critical bill containing prior actions required by international lenders to unlock fresh bailout funding to the debt-laden country in coming weeks.
The draft bill included a new series of austerity measures such as an increase on the tax of diesel used by farmers for agricultural purposes, which evoked strong reactions. It was approved by a vote of 153-118 in the 300-member assembly, Xinhua reported.
In mid-October, lawmakers approved the first similar multi-bill to pave the way for the release of three billion euros from the new third bailout programme by the end of the year.
In order to ensure the flow of further aid, Athens has pledged to give a new pension system reform by early December, and the recapitalisation of Greek banks by the end of the year is also required so that talks on debt relief can start.
The government argued that the new round of harsh policies was unavoidable in order to lead the country back to growth with lenders' help after six years of debt crisis and deep recession.
Trade unions and various social groups have responded with a new wave of strike actions. Students of high schools and universities took to the streets for a second time this week to protest cuts in education funding.
Pensioners and disabled people in the country also held rallies this week against cuts in pensions and social benefits.
