Greek Ruling Party Lawmakers Desert Papandreou Before Vote

Ruling party lawmakers urged Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou to step aside and allow the formation of a new government that can approve a European Union aid package needed to avert default.

Odysseas Vodouris, a deputy in the Pasok party, said a confidence vote tonight signaled the end of Papandreou’s administration and colleague Vasso Papandreou said the motion would support the formation of an administration of national consensus. Lawmakers will later start a roll call televised on state-run Vouli TV with results expected at midnight in Athens.