The measures are in exchange for a 130bn-euro EU bailout and a 100 billion write-off of private sector debt. Athens needs the money by March to avoid a debt default.

Talks yesterday between Greek PM Lucas Papademos and the leaders of three parties ended without agreement. Meanwhile, the German and French leaders are due to hold talks in Paris.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Nicolas Sarkozy - who have worked closely on resolving the eurozone debt crisis - will take part in a joint Franco-German cabinet session in the French capital.