'A Stress Test For Our Democratic Traditions'

Spiegel
November 3, 2011

The future of the country is at stake. But for the moment, there are more questions than answers in Athens. Many Greeks are skeptical of plans for a referendum on the euro bailout. On Thursday, it appeared their prime minister might be changing his tune as well. Reports have emerged he may form an emergency government to circumvent the controversial vote.

Maria Loukos is sitting completely alone in a commuter train car staring forlornly out the window. Outside, the city passes by; it is a bright, warm early November day. But the 72 year old is unable to enjoy the ride.

She is on her way to see her daughter, a civil servant in Athens, Loukos explains with a halting voice. "We have huge worries, you know?" she says, mentioning the drastic pay cuts forced upon government employees in addition to new and higher taxes. Her family's financial security has vanished. "We are desperate!"

But what about the referendum that may be approaching? Greek Prime Minister Giorgios Papandreou announced on Monday that voters will soon be able to decide their fate themselves in a vote on the drastic belt-tightening measures imposed on the Greek populace in the effort to save the euro. Doesn't the referendum give her hope?

The small woman with the blue-tinted hair waves the question away. "How will a referendum help me when I don't understand anything anyway?" she asks. Everything is so complicated, she complains, media reports are contradictory and Greece's political parties are hopelessly at odds with one another. She simply no longer knows who to believe. "What is best for my daughter, for me, for Greece? What?"

Loukos is in good company in her confusion. Indeed, events on Thursday are likely to further confuse people like her. Papandreou announced that he was open to talks aimed at creating a transitional government together with the opposition. Should they reach agreement, there is a possibility that the referendum won't be held at all, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing a source within the prime minister's office.

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