Tsipras’ new challenge: voting of second set of “prior actions” amid SYRIZA rebels and anti-austerity protests

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras faces a new challenge today, as the Greek Parliament will vote for the second set of creditors’ “prior actions”.  Tsipras faces his second major test as it is not clear whether the 39-SYRIZA “rebels” will again deny their vote for the deal with the creditors.

The bill is however expected to pass as three opposition parties said that they would back it.

The bill lawmakers will vote on Wednesday covers rules for dealing with failed banks and speeding up the justice system — two more conditions set by the euro zone and IMF to open negotiations on a 86 billion euro rescue loan.

But with divisions in Tsipras’ leftist SYRIZA party laid bare by last week’s rebellion by 39 deputies, Wednesday’s vote will be closely monitored to see if he loses even more support.

The 39 SYRIZA lawmakers have not resigned from the Parliamentary group, despite the fact that Tsipras replaced the ministers from Left Platform. They keep saying that they support the government.

According to media reports, the Prime Minister plans to ‘clear his own party field’ not earlier than September. Otherwise he risk to lose the government majority.

Several protest rallies are scheduled for Wednesday afternoon outside the Parliament, Metro stations <Syntagma> and <Panepistimio> will be closed to the public as precaution measure.

The voting is expected to be concluded around midnight.