Germany’s lower federal house voted in favor of the four-month extension of a loan agreemetn with Greece, as expected.

Specifically, 542 MPs out of the total 631 voted “ja” to extend the Greek program, 32 against, while there were 13 abstentions.

Prior to voting in the Bundestag, German FinMin Wolfgang Schauble expressed his view that despite the latest talks leading to a decision to ratify the Eurogroup agreement for Greece and the four-month extension, the situation remains difficult.

“Our confidence has been shaken”, Schauble said in his address.

“Vote, not to give more money, but more time” was his message, in a bid to convey the essence of Friday’s vote, which began shortly after 10:30 am.

Among others, Schauble said “Greece is unable to decide on its own what path to follow,” while he added that “Germany must hold Europe united. Solidarity in Europe does not mean that a member-state can be blackmailed”.