VVD agree Greece deal; PM breaks election promise

Mark RutteThe right-wing liberal VVD party on Tuesday evening agreed a new financial package for Greece.

The new deal is for a loan of €86bn, with the Netherlands contributing €5bn.

Party agreement was only reached after six hours of debate, with financial spokesman Mark Harbers telling news agency ANP that ‘there are still many doubts within the party, but perhaps this time it will work’.

The agreement means prime minister Mark Rutte has broken a promise he made during the general election of 2012. He said at the time that no more money would go to Greece, saying: ‘Two large rescue packages have been agreed. I think that is enough.’

The VVD’s coalition partners in the Labour party agreed the financial package last month.

Later on Wednesday, parliament will return from its summer recess to debate the new deal for Greece.

 

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