German lawmakers approve euro rescue package

[May 21, 2010]  BERLIN (AP) -- German lawmakers have approved their country's share of the huge rescue package aimed at protecting debt-ridden eurozone nations from default.

The lower house of parliament voted 319-73 with 195 abstentions in favor of the plan. The upper house, which represents Germany's 16 states, was to vote later Friday.

The euro750 billion (nearly $1 trillion) package was drawn up two weeks ago.

Germany, Europe's biggest economy, is to contribute between euro123 billion and euro147.6 billion in loan guarantees. It comes hard on the heels of a separate package to rescue Greece -- which was already unpopular with Germans.

[Associated Press]

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