Greek PM calls referendum on bailout proposal for July 5

Alexis Tsipras has hit out at controversial EU bailout extension deal as he announced plans for a referendum on the proposals. The Greek prime minister said eurozone finance ministers had presented Greece with an “ultimatum that is against the values of Europe” as he called the vote for 5 July. Creditors have offered Greece a five-month, €12bn extension of the country’s current bailout programme, on the condition that a series of reforms are implemented.

These proposals, which clearly violate the European rules and the basic rights to work, equality and dignity show that the purpose of some of the partners and institutions was not a viable agreement for all parties, but possibly the humiliation of an entire people.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras

German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Greece to accept the deal, describing it as “extraordinarily generous”. In a televised address, Mr Tsipras said the Greek government had been asked to accept “unbearable burdens” that would hit the job market and force tax hikes on workers. He said he was obliged to respond based on the sovereign will of the Greek people, who would be asked to accept or reject the offer in the referendum question in just over a week. He urged Greek voters to send a “sound response” to the world and sought to reassure them that whatever the outcome, “Greece will stay part of Europe”.

Politics greece