Greek coalition braced for crucial vote on austerity

Greece’s coalition government faces a crucial test in parliament as unions launched three days of escalating strikes against austerity proposals that must win lawmakers’ support if the debt-crippled country is to get more aid and stave off bankruptcy.

The conservative-led coalition that has governed Greece since June last night presented the country’s fourth austerity package in more than two years to parliament.

The drastic spending cuts and tax hikes demanded by the country’s bailout creditors aim to save some €13.5bn in 2013-14.