Though Greek protestors were dogging him, Greek Prime Minister Papandreou survived a no confidence vote on Tuesday. He had 155 votes in a 300-seat Parliament. which everyone says now means that his government is going to pass the austerity measures before July 3 when the next meeting of the Euro Zone finance ministers will occur. So Germany is beginning to get Greece to dance its dance using the carrot and stick approach. The Greeks will not get the final segment of last year’s aid package unless they pass the austerity measures.
German voters have no mercy. They insist on 28 billion euros worth of budget cuts.and probably more than that to shape the next aid package after this one is ended.Finland even has suggested that they want the Greek government to put down collateral to get new loans.
Papandreou says he will “continue the national struggle for salvation and change of our country.” Really he is contining the struggle to please his new masters — Germany.