Greek PM survives confidence vote

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is facing a crucial confidence vote in parliament today (Reuters)

Greece's prime minister has survived a confidence vote in parliament, calming a revolt in his Socialist party with a pledge to seek an interim government that would secure a vital new European debt deal.

Socialist politicians backed the embattled government of George Papandreou in the vote that ended early Saturday local time.

An AP count showed Papandreou won with 153 votes in the 300-member Parliament.

Mr Papandreou's government came under threat this week, following his disastrous bid to hold a referendum on a major new European debt agreement.

The idea was swiftly scrapped yesterday after an angry response from markets and European leaders.

AP