A crucial Greek austerity bill has won enough votes for passage in parliament.

The austerity measures are needed to release funds in a 110 billion euros ($140 billion) three-year rescue package of loans from the other 15 euro-zone countries and the International Monetary Fund.

Thursday's vote was being carried out by roll call, and reached the simple majority of 151 votes in favor in the 300-member parliament to pass. The governing Socialists have 160 seats, but three of their deputies abstained and voted present instead of in favor.

Greeks have been outraged by the measures, which slash salaries and pensions for civil servants and hike consumer taxes. Thousands of people gathered outside parliament to protest the measures.