A Grécia refém do Euro

Greek PM Alexis Tsipras is focused on completing a bailout deal agreed with the eurozone despite setbacks in a crucial vote to push through tough reforms, his spokesman has said. Gabriel Sakellaridis was speaking after Mr Tsipras won the late-night vote convincingly, but with more than 30 of his own MPs voting against him. The vote means the government lost its majority but is expected to survive. Eurozone finance ministers are due to discuss the vote in a conference call. On Wednesday the European Commission proposed a €7bn (£5bn) "bridging" loan to help Greece pay debt interest due in several days. Alexis Tsipras said he was forced to accept the reforms. The bailout deal provides for Greece to receive up to €86bn. Under the terms agreed in Brussels on Monday, the first tranche of legislation relating to tax and pensions had to be passed by Wednesday. The Greek parliament discussed the bailout deal beyond a midnight deadline into Thursday morning. Mr Tsipras won the vote by 229 votes to 64, with the support of some opposition MPs. Analysis: Mark Lowen, BBC News, Athens The measures passed comfortably - but not without a major rebellion within the government. Alexis Tsipras said he'd had to choose between a deal he didn't believe in or chaotic default. He has been weakened and will now need a reshuffle or a vote of confidence. Of immediate concern for eurozone finance ministers on Thursday is how to fill Greece's short-term cash needs, with the country facing a big payment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) next week. It could be financed from an EU-wide fund, which Britain opposes. And so there's still a long road ahead. But one big obstacle here has been cleared.