Greece passes pension, tax reform bill

Greece's Parliament has approved a bill reforming the debt-ridden country's pension and tax systems.

The bill, introduced as part of requirements the country must meet under its third international bailout, is set to increase social security and pension contributions and raise taxes for most people.

The bill was approved by the 153 lawmakers of the ruling Syriza/Independent Greeks government coalition; all opposition parties in the 300-member Parliament voted against.

The vote took place amid a crippling general strike and protests that briefly turned violent yesterday.