German Lawmakers Debate Greek Bailout, Merkel Faces Rebellion

German lawmakers broke off their holidays on Tuesday to debate Greece’s third bailout plan before approving it, though Chancellor Angela Merkel faces a rebellion in a vote shaping up as her last chance to keep Athens in the euro zone.

Up to a quarter of Merkel’s conservatives could vote against the 86-billion-euro ($95 billion) package, sending the government a clear warning not to return to parliament again to ask for more aid.

Support from parties including the Social Democrats (SPD), Merkel’s junior coalition partner, and the opposition Greens means approval is not in doubt. But a rebellion by a large number of her allies would be a blow for Merkel, who remains highly popular after 10 years in office.

Merkel and Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble will make the case for backing the bailout plan in party meetings on Tuesday.

Schaeuble, who last month told parliament that talks on the third bailout were a “last attempt” to solve the Greece crisis, threw his weight behind the package ahead of Wednesday’s vote and said Athens was ready to reform.

Many senior figures in the ruling coalition agreed.

Reuters

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