A member of Greece's ruling Socialists has defected from the party following Prime Minister George Papandreou's decision to hold a referendum on the European debt deal.

Milena Apostolaki said Tuesday she would become an independent lawmaker. Her decision reduces the governing Socialists to just a two-seat majority, with 152 members in the 300-seat parliament.

The defection comes just days before a crucial vote of confidence in the government called for Friday by Mr. Papandreou.

The prime minister has not yet set a date for the referendum.

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