Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Despondent Greeks call referendum plan "blackmail"

Reuters
November 1, 2011

Disillusioned Greeks heaped scorn on Prime Minister George Papandreou's plan to put a bailout lifeline to a popular referendum, with some viewing it as a ploy to win backing for harsh austerity measures.

"This referendum is a bluff. They are just mocking us," said Emanuel Papadopoulos, 50-year-old street cleaner.

Like many others on the streets of Athens Tuesday, Papadopoulos said he felt the government was trying to stay in power by pocketing a semblance of popular support if Greeks voted in favor of the bailout deal.

"I haven't thought about how I will vote. How should I vote? As if it is elections or as if it is a referendum? What will the question (on the referendum) be?" said Papadopoulos.

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