Prime Minister George Papandreou (faces) a crunch confidence vote Friday, after days of political turmoil sparked by his controversial proposal to hold a referendum on an international bailout for his country.
His socialist PASOK party has a tiny majority in parliament and it is unclear whether he will survive the vote, or what might follow if he does.
The political instability in Greece has caused political and (financial )jitters throughout Europe and beyond, as world leaders meet in Cannes, France, for the G-20 economic summit.
Among the concerns is the potential for Greece's woes to spread to major European economies like Italy, whose Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is struggling to( gain )support for austerity measures and may also face a confidence vote next week. Borrowing costs for his government continue to rise amid the uncertainty.