BREAKING The German parliament has backed the expansion of the European bail-out fund. Reuters reports 523 politicians voted in favour of it, 85 opposed and three abstained. Debate is continuing in the Bundestag, with MPs explaining their votes. So far, only lawmakers from the opposition Left party have set out why they opposed the legislation. Sevim Dagdalen says she voted against the EFSF deal. She accused the German government of pandering to banks, speculators, the "financial mafia". She added she sympathised with the Greeks who are protesting against their government's harsh austerity measures, as well as the Portuguese. She attacked a "Europe that is unsocial and unfair".
Here's the voting details:
In favour: 523 MPs
Against: 85
Abstentions: 3
In favour: 523 MPs
Against: 85
Abstentions: 3
So, a huge majority for Angela Merkel. We'll get the full breakdown of who voted, and whether many of the coalition government rebelled, soon.