Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is meeting with his ministers as he starts efforts to secure passage of new austerity plans through Parliament despite increasing dissent within his own party.
The austerity plans -- remedial measures this year and a package through 2015 -- are essential for continued funding from a euro110 billion interanational bailout. Greece may also need additional help next year to cover a funding gap.
Papandreou starts a barrage of talks with an informal Cabinet meeting Monday. He presents the plans to his governing Socialist party deputies Tuesday before the Cabinet reconvenes Wednesday to send the measures to Parliament.
Sixteen Socialist lawmakers are demanding an extensive debate on the cutbacks before their ratification in Parliament.
AP
