MPs to vote on privatizations and other prior actions

MPs were debating the provisions of a bill putting several state organizations into a privatization fund on Tuesday ahead of a vote in Parliament aimed at securing approval for further rescue loans.

The bill was expected to pass into law as the government retains a three-seat majority though there were reports that two SYRIZA MPs were considering defecting from the government line.

Talks were underway in the afternoon to win around the two MPs.

The bill foresees several state organizations including the Public Power Corporation and the Athens and Thessaloniki Water and Sewerage Boards being put into the privatization fund.

The government must also take a series of actions, including appointing officials to a supervisory board for the fund, in order to clinch a 2.8 billion euros in loans.