Greek lawmakers pass 'tough' austerity-extending budget

Athens

GREEK lawmakers approved a "tough" 2016 budget early on Sunday, forecasting near zero growth for 2015 and a small contraction next year for the debt-ridden country in its sixth year of austerity.

The coalition government, which enjoys a narrow majority, managed to push the budget through with 153 votes for and 145 against after a late-night session.