Greece referendum: Greeks say ‘No’ to austerity and plunge Europe into crisis

The people of Greece have presented the European Union with the greatest political crisis in its history after voters decisively rejected years of further austerity and effectively challenged Brussels to throw a member state into the economic abyss.

 

The Syriza-led government in Athens celebrated what it called a victory of democracy over economic “terrorism”, with the Greek people voting overwhelmingly against the demands of the country’s hated creditors. The final tally of the referendum was 61.3 per cent No and 38.7 per cent Yes.

 

Such rhetoric has done little to endear Athens  to the mainly German and French politicians it will now have to persuade to save the country’s economy. Germany’s Vice-Chancellor, Sigmar Gabriel, warned that Greece was heading for “bitter abandonment and hopelessness” following the vote.

 

Read More: Greece referendum: Greeks say ‘No’ to austerity and plunge Europe into crisis – Europe – World – The Independent