ATHENS, Greece—In a bid to consolidate his political support and complete a crucial bailout with creditors, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Thursday called for a vote within his party to decisively sideline rebels opposed to the rescue deal.
The radical-left Syriza party members would be asked in the vote, slated for Sunday, whether they accept his plans to reach a deal on a package of loans from creditors in exchange for more tax increases and budget savings.
Tsipras is gambling that with a win, he would neutralize the rebel party members, a group who contend the terms are too painful and that Greece would be better off leaving the euro.
The rebels’ constant opposition threatens to splinter the party and government and has raised the possibility of fresh elections in the autumn — which would create new uncertainty just as the country tries to get its economy back on its feet.
