Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou's victory in a confidencevote bolsters his new government's chances of pushing throughausterity measures to secure further international financial aidfor the country.

A total of 155 lawmakers supported the motion in the300-seat parliament in Athens early this morning, with 143 votingagainst. Papandreou reshuffled his Cabinet and sought the approvalof the chamber after fending off a revolt within his socialistPasok party last week. After the vote, police used tear gas todisperse thousands of Greeks protesting budget cuts.

Papandreou now turns his attention to clinching parliamentaryapproval next week of a 78 billion-euro ($112 billion) package ofbudget cuts to stave off default. European finance ministers andthe International Monetary Fund this week said they would hold backa 12 billion-euro payment due in July until passage of the plans tocut the deficit, sell state assets and impose a “crisis levy” onwages.