Greek-French defense cooperation agreement ratified by Parliament majority

A landmark Greek-French cooperation agreement, attached to a multi-billion-euro defense deal, was ratified by a majority of deputies in Greece’s parliament on Thursday afternoon.

Specifically, 191 MPs out of the 300-member legislature voted in favor, with deputies of ruling New Democracy (ND), the social democrat KINAL party and the right-of-center Elliniki Lysi (Greek Solution) party voting in favor.

Deputies of main opposition SYRIZA, the Communist Party and Yanis Varoufakis’ small radical leftist Mera25 voted against.

Besides foreseeing mutual defense assistance, the agreement stipulates the acquisition by Greece of two Belharra frigates, with an option to purchase a third. Also, Athens can also activate an option to purchase French-made corvettes.