The French Minister of Finances Michel Sapin argued that a ‘no’ vote on Sunday’s critical referendum may result in Greece being forced out of the euro, while a ‘yes’ vote would mean that work towards a deal would resume.
Mr. Sapin, who spoke to the iTELE television network commented that “up until yesterday, France was trying because we were convinced it was possible to make a deal happen [but] you cannot reach a deal with someone who tells you ‘No’”.
“The Greek people may choose to vote ‘No’ – to what, I’m not quite sure, but ‘No’ nonetheless” he stated and added that “if that’s the case we would be entering unknown territory and a downward economic spiral, above all for Greece”.
He concluded that this development “may lead – although not automatically – to Greece’s exit from the euro, which I don’t believe would be good for Greece”.
Earlier on Wednesday the French Minister stated on the RTL network that «even if the ‘No’ wins, France’s role would be to do everything to keep [Greece] in the Eurozone«.
