Multi-bill passed on principle

The government passed the first hurdle, with all the members of the parliamentary group voting in favor of the multi-bill, and now all attention turns to tomorrow's voting on the articles, which is deemed as the most difficult.

Besides, Louka Katseli made it already clear that she would vote against, and the parliamentary staff of the ruling party expressed concerns that other members might follow her.

In detail, 154 PASOK MPs voted on the principle of the bill, 141 MPs voted against, while Elena Rapti (ND), Elsa Papadimitriou (independent), Michalis Papadopoulos (ND), Thanassis Giannopoulos (ND) and Yannis Plakiotakis (ND) were not present.

However, Mimis Androulakis’ stance, who asked to take the stand when his turn to vote came up, caused a sensation, as everybody thought he was going to separate himself from his party. Eventually the resourceful MP managed to state “I vote yes as the ultimate hope”, before he was taken off the stand.

Also, the parliamentary members of PASOK were deeply concerned, as Anna Diamantopoulou reached the plenary at the last minute because she was invited to a central newscast.