This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-europe-13783224
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Greek PM Papandreou proposes unity coalition - state TV | Greek PM Papandreou proposes unity coalition - state TV |
(40 minutes later) | |
Greek PM George Papandreou has proposed a unity government as he tries to win support for austerity measures demanded by the EU and IMF, state TV reports. | Greek PM George Papandreou has proposed a unity government as he tries to win support for austerity measures demanded by the EU and IMF, state TV reports. |
Some reports said Mr Papandreou had even offered to step down, in talks with opposition leader Antonis Samaras. | Some reports said Mr Papandreou had even offered to step down, in talks with opposition leader Antonis Samaras. |
Mr Papandreou has been facing the risk of a revolt in his Socialist party over the controversial austerity package. | |
Greek police clashed with anti-austerity protesters near parliament, and unions held a general strike. | |
Mr Papandreou is seeking support for a new austerity programme of 28bn euros (£24.6bn; $40.5bn) in cuts to take effect from 2012 to 2015. | Mr Papandreou is seeking support for a new austerity programme of 28bn euros (£24.6bn; $40.5bn) in cuts to take effect from 2012 to 2015. |
The conservative New Democracy party reportedly demanded that as a condition of agreeing to a unity government, Mr Papandreou should resign and the terms of the austerity package should be renegotiated. | |
The EU and IMF are demanding the measures in return for the release of another 12bn euros in aid next month which Athens needs to pay off maturing debt. | The EU and IMF are demanding the measures in return for the release of another 12bn euros in aid next month which Athens needs to pay off maturing debt. |
EU commissioners were said to have a "profound sense of foreboding" about Greece and the future of the eurozone, according to leaked account of a meeting on Wednesday seen by the BBC. | |
'Crucial moment' | |
On Tuesday, one member of parliament defected from Mr Papandreou's socialist Pasok party, leaving it with only 155 of the chamber's 300 seats. | |
At least one other Pasok deputy has threatened to vote against the new programme of cuts and privatisation of state assets, and a number of others are said to be wavering. | |
Mr Papandreou also held talks on Wednesday with Greek President Karolos Papoulias, telling him that "a national effort" was required to push the austerity measures through. | |
"We are at a historically crucial moment and a time of crucial decisions," Mr Papandreou said, according to a transcript released by his office. | |
"In any case, we will move forward with this sense of responsibility and the necessary decisions." | |
Earlier, thousands of activists and unionists gathered in Syntagma square in Athens, near parliament. | |
Police estimated the size of the crowd at between 20,000 and 30,000, while local media reports put the number higher. | |
Some protesters tried to prevent Greek deputies from entering the parliament building to hold a debate on the austerity measures. | |
Police responded with tear gas, fighting running battles with demonstrators in the surrounding streets. | |
The general strike was the third in Greece this year. | |
Ports, public transport and banks were badly disrupted by the strike, while hospitals offered only emergency care. | |
Are you in Greece? What is your reaction to Mr Papandreou's proposal? Have you taken part in or witnessed the clashes? Send us your comments using the form below. | |
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here. | |
Read the terms and conditions |