Slovakia votes down eurozone bailout expansion plans

LONDON. October 12. KAZINFORM Slovakia's parliament has voted against measures to bolster the powers of the eurozone bailout fund, seen as vital in combating the bloc's debt crisis.

The governing coalition had linked the vote to a confidence motion and as a result has effectively been toppled.

Slovakia is the last of the eurozone's 17 members to vote on expanding the European Financial Stability Facility, BBC News reports.

However, the BBC's Rob Cameron says a second vote could be held soon and is likely to succeed.

The measure failed to pass by 21 votes, but that result had been anticipated after a junior party in the centre-right coalition said it would abstain.

The Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party said it was opposed to Slovakia's taxpayers being asked to cover the debts of richer countries.

Many Slovaks feel their country - the second poorest in the eurozone - should not have to bail out countries like Greece.

Government officials said they would try to pass the EFSF expansion package in a second vote with support from the opposition, but no date has been fixed for that vote.

The socialist opposition Smer party - which also abstained - is expected to support the move but may make stringent demands including fresh elections.

Following the vote, Smer said it was up to the four parties in the toppled coalition to approach it with offers.

Details also at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15265987