The Tsipras government appeared surprised at the number of MPs from its ruling SYRIZA party that didn’t support the memorandum agreement during a Friday morning vote , with the figure now falling under the “psychological barrier” of 120 deputies.

According to government sources, Greek PM Alexis Tsipras will request a confidence vote in Parliament when the plenum convenes on Aug. 20, and at the end of a three-day debate.

Given that SYRIZA MPs reportedly belonging to the extremely radical “Left Platform” appear unwilling to continue supporting their own government in the bailout process, the Greek PM has more-or-less two realistic options: form a coalition government with the backing of the opposition or give his mandate back to the president of the republic and open the way for snap elections — a prospect that would mean Greek voters heading to the polls for a … third time in 2015 (January general election, July 6 referendum).