German MPs set to clear Euro boost

German MPs are expected to approve new powers today for the eurozone bailout fund in a major step toward tackling the bloc’s sprawling sovereign debt crisis.

Passage in the lower house looks assured thanks to support of opposition lawmakers, but the vote has highlighted tensions in Chancellor Angela Merkel’s centre-right coalition, which has been strained by members who have baulked at the cost of propping up the eurozone’s strugglers.