Greek parliament speaker says lawmakers must resist "blackmail"

[ATHENS] Greece's parliament speaker, speaking as in her capacity as a ruling party lawmaker, asked the 300-seat house on Wednesday not to approve a package of austerity measures demanded by the country's creditors in exchange for a third bailout.

"This parliament must not conclude the blackmail by the lenders," Zoe Constantopoulou, a prominent member of the Syriza party's left wing, told deputies ahead of a crucial vote later on Wednesday.

"In full cognizance of how crucial the circumstances are ... I think it the duty of parliament not to let this blackmail materialise."

She said creditors must respect parliamentary procedures, objecting to the ressing deadline for the vote.

REUTERS

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