The SYRIZA/Independent Greeks coalition government received a vote in confidence in the open roll call vote that took place in Parliament late on Wednesday evening over the government’s policy statements. Of the 299 MPs who voted, the government received the support of 155 MPs, while 144 voted against.

Prior to the late-night vote the political leaders clashed over the measures included in the new bailout agreement which the government is called to implement. New Democracy’s provision leader Evangelos Meimarakis argued that his party will only support the government with regards to the debt, while accusing it of “criminal handling” that resulted in new loans.

The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras responded by noting that settling the debt remains a major national issue and cited the support from Europe calling for relief of Greece’s debts. Mr. Tsipras questioned whether New Democracy will contribute in this national struggle, or support the conservative forces that want Greece to leave Europe.

During the heated exchanges in Parliament, the upcoming electoral race for a new leader in the main opposition party came up, with the Prime Minister dubbing Mr. Meimarakis’ statement an “election campaign speech”. Mr. Meimarakis replied that irrespective of the outcome, his party will remain united and accused the PM of mingling in his party’s affairs.