Watch CBS News

Greek banks to get $23B from bailout fund

(AP) ATHENS, Greece - Greece's four biggest commercial banks will receive an 18 billion euro ($23 billion) cash infusion from the European bailout fund.

The recapitalization comes amid political uncertainty in the debt-stricken country after inconclusive May 6 elections saw a rise in support for anti-bailout parties and cast doubt over whether Greece's future use of the euro currency.

The uncertainty has impacted bank deposits as people have been withdrawing their money to hedge against the country's possible return to its old devalued currency, the drachma.

Greek banks may be nearing complete collapse

The European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) money will be disbursed on Wednesday to the National Bank of Greece, Eurobank, Alpha Bank and Bank of Piraeus.

Meanwhile, pharmacies across Greece are staging a day-long strike to protest unpaid dues from the largest health care provider.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.