Greece MPs approve new austerity budget amid protests

Greek lawmakers have approved the 2013 budget involving large spending cuts, despite mass public street protests.

The budget was passed by 167 votes to 128. The move was a pre-condition for Athens to be granted a 31.5bn euro (£25bn; $40bn) EU/IMF loan necessary to stave off bankruptcy.

In Athens, more than 10,000 people protested outside the parliament.

The vote comes as eurozone finance ministers are due to discuss the Greece crisis at a meeting in Brussels.

Read more: BBC News - Greece MPs approve new austerity budget amid protests