BBC News with Gaenor Howells

Police and protesters in Greece have fought pitched battles outside parliament in Athens as MPs debated another round of austerity measures. Police fired tear gas at demonstrators who hurled stones, petrol bombs and flares. Several buildings were

set ablaze

. One person at the demonstrations, Thomas Lamaris, explained why he was protesting.

"Mainly we're against our politicians. They decide for us without asking us. They don't make elections. They don't make the

referendum

. They

don't give a damn about

the people."

Parliament is expected to vote in the next few hours on further budget cuts needed if Greece is to

secure

billions of dollars more in bailout money from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund. Mark Lowen, in Athens, sent this assessment.

In reality, the bailout package is likely to pass because the coalition commands a large majority of MPs inside the parliamentary chamber, so even if there is a

rebellion

of sorts, it will probably still win the majority approval. But all eyes really among Europe are on Athens tonight because if Greece were to declare bankruptcy, to potentially leave the euro, then the whole

ideological basis

of the European project could start to

unravel

. This is where Europe's sovereign debt crisis began about two years ago, and once again tonight, Athens is taking centre stage.