The Greek government is on the verge of collapse as outrage over plans for a referendum on a eurozone bailout rips through the beleaguered country.

Greek officials have held talks with EU and IMF negotiators to free up urgently needed bailout loans.

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou faces a confidence vote on Tuesday, a hurdle he must clear to win backing for a new round of spending cuts.

Greece is likely to grind to a halt on Wednesday as protests intensify against draconian measures to secure financial aid.