D-Day for crisis-stricken Greece

Athens - Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou faces a crucial parliamentary vote of confidence in the new cabinet he formed last week to face down increasing opposition to austerity measures needed to avoid a national debt default.

The vote is to be held at midnight on Tuesday, after deputies debate the motion for the third day. Papandreou's socialists hold a five-seat majority in the 300-member parliament. Protesters have said they will demonstrate outside parliament in the early evening.

Facing ongoing budget shortfalls, Greece's parliament must pass an austerity bill imposing more spending cuts and tax hikes by the end of the month if it is to receive the next installment from its €110bn international bailout in mid-July, in time to avoid defaulting on its debts.