The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras gave an interview on ANT1 on Thursday evening regarding Sunday’s critical referendum. Mr. Tsipras argued that the referendum came five years too late and that the Greek government is willing to negotiate and will resume negotiations on Monday, adding that he will do everything humanly possible to achieve an agreement so that Greece may exit the crisis.
According to Mr. Tsipras the Greek proposals met fiscal targets, but the creditors insisted upon anti-social measures. He explained that the austerity measures perpetuate and recycle the crisis, stressing that employees and pensioners are unable to undertake any further burdens. Mr. Tsipras underlined that he cannot accept the belief of Wolfgang Schäuble, that the euro means poverty, austerity and social catastrophe.
While the referendum is presented as a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Europe or the euro, the Prime Minister explained that a ‘no’ does not mean a rift with Europe. He noted that Greece’s place in Europe is not being disputed. During the interview Mr. Tsipras complained about the biased reporting and unethical undermining of the ‘no’ demonstrations by private television networks.
The images of long queues outside the banks and ATMs are shameful for Greece and for Europe, Mr. Tsipras stated, while arguing that the country’s creditors refused to extend the bailout program for a few days in an effort to blackmail the government and terrorize the people. He specifically referred to a “vindictive reaction” of the Eurogroup to the Greek request.
Nevertheless, he revealed that after the referendum was announced that “interesting proposals” were made and estimated that the banks would reopen soon after an agreement, which he added will be met within 48 hours of Sunday’s referendum. Should the people vote ‘yes’ on Sunday, Mr. Tsipras announced that he would remain in office and continue to be the institutional guarantor of the Constitution. A ‘no’ vote would signal the continuation of negotiations with the partners, albeit with different terms.
