Greece: Tsipras plans referendum on reforms – SPIEGEL ONLINE

A quick overview

This is what happens:

• Only if Greece agrees to a reform program
• want the euro zone countries share more billions in loans. The creditors demand higher sales taxes and deeper cuts in pensions. Greece refuses, so far. On Saturday will be negotiated further.
• Premier Tsipras wants to let the Greeks vote in a referendum on July 5 on the austerity package. Several ministers call on voters, “no” vote.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras wants to keep in case of an agreement with the international lenders a referendum. Thus, the Greek people will be able to vote on the planned reforms, Tsipras said in a televised address. The referendum to be held on 5 July. Therefore, he will ask donors for more days delay, Tsipras said. The current assistance program runs namely already on 30 June.

The left politicians had convened an emergency meeting of his cabinet after intense negotiations with the creditors. He said his government was an ultimatum been made that was not compatible with the values ​​of Europe.

“The people should decide without any blackmail,” said the prime minister.

Government members give Germany the debt

Several ministers said SPIEGEL ONLINE, they would call their voters to vote against the reform package. “We will ask the Greeks, ‘no’ to say to blackmail,” said Tsipras’ consultant Nikos Pappas. He made “radical German groups” responsible.

Even more drastic remarked the head of the coalition partner of Syriza: “The Greeks will say ‘no’ to surrender their land, just as in 1940 against the Germans did it,” Panos Kammenos said.

Opposition leader Antonis Samaras said in the referendum is going ultimately to the question of whether Greece wants to continue part of Europe or not. The opposition Pasok called on Tsipras to withdraw immediately. Instead of a referendum there must be new elections, demanded a party spokesman.

After Tsipras hate announced his plan for the referendum, many people flocked to Athens to the ATM to withdraw money. SPIEGEL ONLINE correspondent Giorgos Christides reported by people who went in my pajamas on the streets to more quickly withdraw cash. Infrequently, while scuffles because the cash reserves were rapidly depleted at individual machines.

The savings and tax increases, with which the economy in Greece is to be made more competitive, are hated in the highly indebted country. Tsipras was elected with the promise to end the austerity.

The euro zone finance ministers in Brussels on Saturday to try a last-minute rescue of Greece before the national bankruptcy. At a crucial meeting in Brussels, ministers want to agree with the Greek government on a reform and austerity. This is prerequisite for Greece so far gets blocked multibillion dollar aid. The appointment should take place as planned, said a Greek government spokesman. Athens wants to inform the euro-group at the meeting about the plans for the referendum.

Also on Saturday, senior Greek government officials want to meet with ECB chief Mario Draghi to discuss about further developments. In a first reaction Draghi had expressed understanding for the decision, it was said from Athens.