Greece's politicians have approved a key austerity Bill, paving the way for the country to get its next vital bailout loans that will prevent it from defaulting next month.
The unpopular 28 billion euro (£25 billion) five-year package of spending cuts and tax hikes was backed by a majority of the 300-member parliament, including Socialist deputy Alexandros Athanassiadis, who had previously vowed to vote against.
The European Union and International Monetary Fund have demanded the austerity measures pass before they approve the release of a 12 billion euro (£11 billion) loan instalment from last year's rescue package.
Without those funds, Greece would be facing a default by the middle of July.
The vote took place amid clashes between police and protesters outside parliament and on the second day of a nationwide general strike which has brought much of the Greek economy to a standstill.
A massive security operation left a large section of central Athens sealed off to traffic.
Scuffles broke out as demonstrators attempted to block a major avenue leading to the centre of the city.
Riot police responded with pepper spray, and 10 people were treated in a nearby hospital for minor injuries.
